A USA TODAY analysis of more than 4,600 U.S. hospitals has found that 120 of those most highly rated by patients have higher than average death rates for heart attack, heart failure or pneumonia. More than a dozen of these hospitals have high death rates for at least two of those conditions. The analysis highlights the risks of making health care choices on subjective recommendations rather than accurate measures of a hospital's quality and performance.
USA TODAY obtained the hospital death rate data exclusively in advance from Medicare, who will release the information publicly today. USA TODAY's team, led by medical reporter Steve Sternberg and database analyst Christopher Schnaars, analyzed the data, looking for the latest trends on hospital quality and performance. The resulting story not only provides readers with a smart, informed look at the state of medical care provided by hospitals today, it also supplies a user-friendly internet graphic that allows users to tap into information from the hospital across the street or across the country. Wondering where to seek health care? This is a great place to start. To view the interactive graphic, go to hospitals.usatoday.com.
The data reflects more than 4,600 U.S. hospitals that accept Medicare patients, including for the first time this year – more than 120 Veterans Administration Hospitals. The numbers reflect figures for 2007 - 2010. Information is given for death rates and readmissions within 30 days for three of the most common diagnoses – heart attack, heart failure, and pneumonia. USA TODAY also incorporated an analysis of patient survey results that show what patients think of nursing, communications, and whether they would recommend the hospital.
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