For the third consecutive year, Eisenhower Medical Center has been named one of the nation’s 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals by IBM Watson Health, the hospital announced Wednesday. IBM Watson Health recently released the 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals 2018 study.
The annual study, conducted by Truven Health Analytics, now part of IBM Watson Health, identifies the top U.S. hospitals for inpatient cardiovascular services. The study uses a balanced national scorecard of hospital performance metrics to identify the highest performing cardiovascular service lines in the nation.
A part of the Watson Health 100 Top Hospitals program, the 2018 study uses rigorous processes to calculate and measure hospital service lines, leveraging industry-leading, risk-adjusted methodologies developed and maintained by IBM Watson Health scientists over many years.
The Watson Health 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals study measures attainment in key performance areas: risk-adjusted inpatient mortality, risk-adjusted complications, percentage of coronary bypass patients with internal mammary artery use, 30-day mortality rates, 30-day readmission rates, severity-adjusted average length of stay, wage- and severity-adjusted average cost per case and, new this year, CMS 30-day episode payment measures. The study has been conducted annually since 1999.
“Being named for a third consecutive year as one the nation’s 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals is a tremendous honor,” G. Aubrey Serfling, president and CEO of Eisenhower Medical Center, said in a news release. “This recognition wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and dedication of our exceptional team of physicians, nurses and staff. It is only through their tireless efforts, as well as the support of our Board of Directors and generous donors that we continue to elevate the quality of health care in the Coachella Valley.”
To determine the 50 top U.S. hospitals for heart care, IBM Watson Health researchers analyzed 2015 and 2016 Medicare Provider Analysis and Review (MEDPAR) data, 2016 Medicare cost reports and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Hospital Compare July 1, 2013-June 30, 2016 data.
The study, and subsequent analysis of the positive variances these leading cardiovascular service hospitals show, indicate an opportunity for a broader national impact for cardiovascular patients, should these results be replicated, according to the release. In fact, if all cardiovascular providers in the United States performed at the level of this year’s winners:
- Nearly 8,900 additional lives could be saved
- Nearly 3,700 more bypass and angioplasty patients could be complication-free
- More than $1.4 billion could be saved
The Watson Health 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals study is available HERE.
