What measurement means for surgery complications
Following surgery, patients are at risk for complications such as:
- Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis
- Pneumonia
- Sepsis (blood infection)
- Shock and/or cardiac arrest (severe heart attack)
When a patient experiences these complications, it is a medical emergency. Without proper treatment, they can lead to death.
How to understand Mortality Ratings
A high mortality rate may not be due to medical errors. Some hospitals may experience a greater number of deaths because they see more sick patients. Our mortality rate information is shown as a comparison between a hospital’s actual mortality rate and the rate expected for that hospital. A rate that is the “Same” or “Better” than expected can be a sign of high-quality care.
