Surgery - Consumer Health Ratings

Primary Listings

Leapfrog Hospital Quality Ratings – For Consumers (all states) Editor's Pick

The Leapfrog Group, an employer-based coalition, asks hospitals to voluntarily report how closely they follow recommended quality and safety practices. CLICK on the Show Info arrow underneath each green bar chart to find additional important information. You will find actual rates of performance,and whether the hospital you’re interested in, meets volume standards for certain complex surgeries. Many, but unfortunately not all hospitals participate; easy to compare. Updated Spring 2022. The period covered is unclear. Leapfrog was a pioneer in getting ratings in the public eye.

ACS Meritorious Hospitals for Surgery Outcomes in 2021

New list shows 78 hospitals that achieved “meritorious” outcomes for surgical patient care in 2021. They were selected from over 600 hospitals participating in the ACS (American College of Surgeons) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP®). Most of the hospitals getting the award are in the United States; some are in Canada or Australia. Hospitals are recognized in either (or both) the “All Cases” category, or for “High Risk” cases only. Some hospitals have received this distinction for consecutive years. Scores and types of surgery are not disclosed. However, one can be confident that the ACS did a fair and professional comparison of hospital performance in surgery. Among the criteria were infections and survival rates. Published November 2022.

Bunions

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons provides a detailed description of bunions, who gets them, surgical treatment options, many pictures and drawings. Does not discuss podiatrists.

Hernia: Causes and Surgical Treatment Editor's Pick

Excellent descriptions on 5 types of Hernia Repair surgery and causes, from the American College of Surgeons. Describes what groin hernia is, risk factors, differences between inguinal hernia and femoral hernia, and which ones are more common in men vs. women; hernia repair surgical treatment for both adults and children. Site also includes brochures on other types of operations, written for patients. Reviewed 2022.

Vascular Conditions, Disease, Tests, Treatments and Specialists

Learn about vascular conditions, vascular disease, tests and treatments. The Society for Vascular Surgery web site for patients has resources about Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA), Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), Pulmonary Embolism, Varicose Veins, Carotid Endarterectomy, Surgical AAA Repair, and much more. Includes drawings. A new search feature was added in 2022 to Find a Vascular Specialist.

When Should Antibiotics be given to prevent Surgical Site Infections?

Should antibiotics be given to patients in order to prevent surgical site infections? According to the Merck Manual: “Most surgical procedures do not require prophylactic or postoperative antibiotics. However, certain patient-related and procedure-related factors alter the risk/benefit ratio in favor of prophylactic use.” Specific surgeries and patient factors are addressed. Written in clinical language. Updated November 2020.

Other Helpful Listings

20 Most Expensive Conditions Requiring Hospital Stay, 2017

The top 10 of 20 most expensive conditions that people got hospitalized for in 2017, were Septicemia, osteoarthritis, liveborn infants, heart attack (AMI), congestive heart failure (CHF), back problems, respiratory failure, coronary atherosclerosis, cerebral infarction (stroke), and diabetes with complication. The full list identifies 20 health conditions that cost the nation the most in hospital charges in 2017. The top 10 represented 43% of the total national hospital bill. For Medicaid patients, complications during childbirth, schizophrenia and previous C-section were in the top 10. For self-pay patients/no insurance, diabetes with complications was the 3rd most expensive condition. 18-page Statistical Brief #261 by AHRQ uses 2017 HCUP data; published July 2020.

Alabama Hospital Infections, 2021

Compare level of infections at Alabama hospitals in 2021. Healthcare associated infections are grouped by type of infection (catheter associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI), central line-associated blood stream infection (CLABSI), surgical site infection (SSI) associated with colon surgery, and SSI associated with abdominal hysterectomy. Hospital-specific data shown for Birmingham and 6 other regions, along with whether the hospital is better, similar or worse than national average.

The state as a whole in 2021 had scores better than the national average for CAUTI. However, 7 hospitals had significantly worse scores. Being excellent in one area does not necessarily apply to other types of infections. For example, USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital had better than average CLABSI scores, but significantly worse ratings in hysterectomy infections. Alabama overall had CLABSI rates that were significantly higher than the national average. The number of infections from low-scoring hospitals were enough to pull the state down. By Alabama Dept. of Public Health; 18 pages published November 2022.

Ambulatory Surgery Average Charges in U.S. Hospitals, 2007

Find average charge for about 80 outpatient ambulatory surgery procedures done in hospitals in 2007 (excluding surgeon’s or other physician fees.) Consumers will need to adjust the 2007 prices for medical inflation, to estimate 2021 costs. Add at least 56% for a rough estimate. Overall average was $6,100, compared to nearly $40,000 for inpatient surgery. In today’s 2022 medical dollars, that would be $9,500 and more than $62,000. Average colonoscopy & biopsy price in 2007 was $2,369; upper GI endoscopy $3,131; cataract & lens was $4,870; tonsillectomy $5,286; knee cartilage $7,357; hernia repair $8,187; outpatient gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) $10,838; breast biopsy $3,863; lumpectomy $7,458; ear tube surgery (myringotomy) $3,547; D&C $6,366; arthroscopy $8,970; incontinence procedures $9,929; varicose veins $,8459; bunionectomy $7,699; wrist fracture $7,807; $4,770 for circumcision. AHRQ Statistical Brief #86 was published in February 2010. The report was updated in December 2021, with 2019 volumes, as Statistical Brief 287. Unfortunately, the federal government did not include average charges, or cost estimates. in the new report.

Ambulatory Surgery in U.S. Hospitals, 2003: HCUP Fact Book No. 9

Facts and figures on ambulatory surgery in US hospitals, from the 2003 HCUP Fact Book No. 9. Shows outpatient surgery volumes, average prices, gender, comparisons to inpatient surgery, and more in 2003. The Appendix shows the average charge per visit for each type of ambulatory surgery. Average charge in 2003 was $5,600, which is approximately equal to $10,300 in 2022 dollars (adjusted for medical inflation only). However, technology has also changed, so the average prices listed are for reference only. Read sections online. Published January 2007. Amazingly, the federal government never updated this publication, despite the public’s desire to know more about ambulatory surgery costs!

America’s Best Hospitals list (Medicare) 2023 from HealthGrades

HealthGrades 2023 list of America’s 250 Best Hospitals shows their choice for the top 50 hospitals and 100 best and top 250 hospitals in the US. List is based on clinical quality for Medicare patients over 3 years ending 2021. It shows which hospitals have held clinical excellence in consecutive years over “an extended period of time” (top 1%), and those in the top 2%. The 250 best hospitals (top 5%) were formerly known as receiving the Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence. HealthGrades examined complication rates or survival rates for 32 diagnoses (such as heart failure, COPD, pneumonia, stroke, diabetes, pancreatitis, sepsis) or surgical procedures (such as hip or knee replacement, gall bladder removal, back surgery, bowel obstruction, prostatectomy, angioplasty, valve surgery, and heart bypass). Hospitals are listed by state; not all states had hospitals that ranked in the top 5%. Published Jan. 2023.

American Hospital Directory – Outpatient Charges and Volumes (ahd.com) Editor's Pick

The American Hospital Directory at ahd.com shows average charge and average cost for many hospital outpatient services. Most recent period shows 2021 costs. Charges and average costs for the 20 outpatient Ambulatory Payment Classifications (APCs) that made up the highest Medicare outpatient payment to each hospital. Critical access hospitals are excluded. List varies by hospital. Top 20 procedures may include volume (number of claims) and cost for colonoscopy, laparoscopy, CT, MRI, clinic and emergency (ED or ER) visits, x-ray tests, upper GI, lower GI endoscopy, arthroscopy, cataract with lens, angiography, echocardiography, hernia repair, infusion therapy, nerve injection, observation services, outpatient cardiac catheterization, ultrasound. Scroll to bottom of the hospital page to find Outpatient Utilization Statistics. Some rural critical access hospitals may not show any outpatient test and visit prices. Also shown: inpatient market share by local zip code; net income. Link is to the Free Hospital Information

Appendectomy (Removal of the Appendix) American College of Surgeons Editor's Pick

Professional, easy-to-read description of Appendectomy (removal of the appendix), by the American College of Surgeons (ACS). Describes symptoms of appendicitis, who most often gets it, how fast it develops, reasons for the operation, options for surgery, risks and complications, recovery from surgery. Short and informative, with drawings. Updated 2022.

Arkansas Hospital Volumes, Prices, Quality Ratings – by name of hospital

Arkansas hospital volumes, prices, quality ratings and patient satisfaction are listed by name of hospital. Find average charges (a proxy for average costs) for 40 common hospitalizations at specific AR hospitals by Clicking on INPATIENT PRICING after you’ve selected your hospital. Price List varies by hospital, but may include maternity and childbirth, stroke, chest pain, stomach disorders, back pain, nutritional problems (diabetes), blood infection (septicemia), rehabilitation, heart attack, cardiac cath, drug coated stent, congestive heart failure, kidney failure, urinary infection, COPD, pneumonia, total hip or knee replacement surgery, hysterectomy, psychiatric care, ventilator support and more. Volumes are listed under the hospital’s Profile. To find quality scores on emergency department, heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia, COPD, stroke, delivery or surgical infections, and patient opinions, click on QUALITY at each hospital’s page. Hospital Consumer Assist is provided by the Arkansas Hospital Association. Prices from 2017; Quality and Patient Satisfaction scores reflect 2018 ratings. Information is outdated. No updates were made during 2020, 2021, or 2022. Medical inflation has been at least 15% since 2017.

California – Average Inpatient and Outpatient Prices, 2022 Hospital Chargemaster

California provides average prices for inpatient and outpatient procedures as of June 1, 2022, as listed in each hospital’s chargemaster. All CA hospitals are included. Excel files show prices for at least 25 common outpatient procedures. ER visits, MRI and CT test prices should be included, along with selected outpatient surgery. The average cost (charge) for top 25 types of outpatient procedures or surgery includes CPT codes. Outpatient reports may show hospital prices for Emergency Room visits, office visit code 99213, lab tests, CT, MRI, Mammogram, x-ray, ultrasound, Physical Therapy visit, Arthroscopy, colonoscopy, endoscopy, carpal tunnel, hernia repair, gall bladder removal (laparoscopic cholecystectomy), lumbar injections, tonsillectomy, ear tubes and more, depending on each hospital’s highest volume.

California 2022 inpatient prices are listed only in each hospital’s massive and complicated Charge Master, which shows the charge for every pill, lab test and hospital room rate. This is where you will find maternity, obstetrics, newborn nursery, labor and delivery charges. But you may need to wade through more than 10,000 individual services listed in the chargemaster to find what you want to know. Files are in Excel file format. Prices are from 2022. Consumers can see one hospital at a time by downloading their chargemaster file. Provided through California OSHPD, the state government Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development.

California: CalHospitalCompare.org – Hospital Quality Ratings & Patient Satisfaction

CalHospitalCompare shows California hospital quality ratings for cancer surgery, heart care, hip and knee, gallbladder infections, surgery volume, pneumonia, COPD, stroke, preventing surgical infections & complications, maternity care including c-sections and VBAC, emergency department and patient opinion ratings, readmissions; some mortality/survival rates. Dates of data are hard to find (click on the red question marks when at the hospital report). When reported, most contain 2020-2021 data. Number of cancer cases is labeled as both 2014 and 2020, which is confusing. Compare hospitals side by side to find Superior Hospitals. Hospitals may be the best in one area but not in another. When viewing hospital report, click on View All, or you’ll miss most of the information. Cal Hospital Compare is supported by IBM Watson Health.

Colorado Average Cost for Office Visit, ER Visit, Outpatient Tests and Hospital Stay

Find out the average charge and average amounts allowed (cost) for an office visit, ER visit, outpatient tests and hospital stays in Colorado. More than 60 types of hospitalizations and almost 90 outpatient types are listed. Web site shows average price and amount paid in 2020 for each major insurance company. Compare the 9 regions such as Denver, Boulder, Ft. Collins, East CO, etc. Average cost for a 15-minute office visit (code 99213) was $101 in CO in 2020, compared to an average charge of $199. A new patient visit (99203) cost $176 for 30 minutes; the average charge was $288. The most common type of ER (emergency room department) visit cost $1,293 (allowed) compared to $2,432 in charges. The ER visit code was 99283. The next two most common ER visit types cost $2,202 and $3,586 on average; their charges averaged almost $4,800 and $6,600 respectively. Most likely there were additional tests and imaging charges that were added to the bill.

Almost 13,000 Medicare Advantage cataract and lens procedures were done in 2020 (code 66984). While the average cataract removal charge was over $4,400, the allowed amount was $1,053. The Medicare member was responsible to pay $105 to $227, depending on insurance company. For other insurance, the member might have to pay $943 for a cataract removal. View prices and average costs for colonoscopy and ambulatory knee arthroscopy surgery. Inpatient costs include maternity and newborn charges, C-Section delivery, psychiatric admission, alcohol treatment, rehab, depression, diabetes and many more hospital stays. Consumers may wish to add medical inflation of at least 4.4% for 2022. Provided by the State of Colorado.

Colorado Hospital & Ambulatory Surgery Infection Rates 2022

Find Infection Rates for Colorado hospitals, Ambulatory Surgery facilities, and outpatient dialysis centers, 2021. CO Dept. of Public Health (CDPHE) reports patient infections in health facilities, including hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, dialysis centers. Infection Rates are compared to national average, on surgical site infections for breast surgery, colon surgeries, hip replacement, knee replacement surgery, outpatient hernia repair, hysterectomy; c.diff infections, central line bloodstream infections (CLABSI) in adult or neonatal ICU, critical care units & long-term acute care hospitals (LTACHs), and dialysis treatment centers (DTCs). If a facility is significantly better or worse, it’s highlighted. 2021 data published in July 2022. Timely Colorado report.

Colorado Hospital Quality Ratings, Report Card

Find hospital ratings and report card on quality in Colorado. Click on View Report Card Website. See hospital-specific data on mortality (survival rates) and volume. Mortality Measures show survival rate information for heart care (heart failure, heart attack AMI), pneumonia, stroke, hip fracture, or bleeding stomach (GI). Compare CO hospitals on Patient Safety bedsores (pressure sores/ decubitus ulcer), post-surgical blood clots (DVT, PE), sepsis (bloodstream infections). Most measures show 2020 data. Search by hospital, or select Denver, or one of four other regions. Number of falls are in nursing-sensitive measures. Some year-to-date 2022 data. Report Card website by the Colorado Hospital Association at cha.com and cohospitalquality.org. Updated 2022. Reports on infections have been moved to the CO state website. Note: the Mozilla browser may not work for some users. Here is an alternate link for the site.

Ear Tubes – What is Myringotomy Surgery?

Ear Tubes – Just what is myringotomy surgery? Read this brief, consumer-friendly explanation of Ear Tubes, by the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS). Covers what ear tubes are, who needs them, outpatient surgical procedure, and what to expect after surgery. Complications are reportedly minimal. Link to find an ENT surgeon (Ear/ Nose/ Throat).

Find an Orthopedic Surgeon (Orthopaedist)

Find an orthopedic surgeon (orthopaedist) anywhere in the US. Easy-to-use site, by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). Provides office location address.

Five Things Doctors and Patients Should Question (SGIM)

New list of 5 things that both doctors and patients should question. According to SGIM (Society of General Internal Medicine), these items may add expense without being helpful. They also can harm patients without having enough upside to justify the tests or procedures. See the recommendations about home glucose monitoring for Type 2 diabetes, routine annual checkups for some types of patients, routine pre-op tests, cancer screening in those expected to live less than 10 years, and PICC lines. Read carefully. Published January 2023, part of the respected Choosing Wisely program from the ABIM Foundation.

Florida 2022 Reported Healthcare Incident Summaries

Aggregate healthcare incident summaries reported in FL hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes for 2021 and YTD 2022. The most common “Code 15 Adverse Incidents” in the last full year (2021) were 3,329 incidents requiring transfer to a more acute facility; 1,900 fracture dislocations; and 1,157 incidents reported to law enforcement for investigation. Most of these types of events were reported as coming from Assisted Living facilities. Other types of incidents include surgical procedure mistakes (180 times in hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers), death or brain injury from medical care; elopements, and other categories. Code 15 reports are required for each serious patient injury as defined in state statute, within 15 days of when injury occurred. No facility names given. Updated year to date and each quarter, with annual summary by provider type. In 2021, there were 28 reported deaths (unexpected) in ambulatory surgery centers, and 184 hospital incidents resulting in patient deaths. Maintained by Florida AHCA Adverse Incident Reporting System (AIRS).

Florida Inpatient Hospital Ratings, Satisfaction, Average Price

Compare Florida inpatient hospital ratings on infections, patient satisfaction, average price (cost estimate), and readmissions. In the Quality Report Card column, find volume (number of hospitalizations) or how many procedures they do each year in various specialty service line, average length of stay, and readmission rate. 2020 and 2021 data. State inspection reports are also shown on each hospital’s individual page. Click on Care Bundle Pricing $ icon to find hospital and an old report on average statewide charge. Prices are old, and estimated to 2018 or 2019 only. All age groups (not just Medicare), extensive set of health conditions/diseases, and the ability to sort with best FL hospitals at the top of the list, make this website helpful. While the Quality and Satisfaction scores are current, the cost information is not. Click on the hospital name to additional information about the hospital. Hysterectomy listed under Women’s Health instead of Surgery. FloridaHealthFinder.gov, updated 2022.

Healthgrades – Hospital Awards for Patient Safety Excellence, 2023

Healthgrades 2023 awards for patient safety excellence lists top 10% (445) hospitals. These hospitals are distinguished for their patient safety, using 2019 to 2021 Medicare patient information. Hospitals were evaluated on 14 types of preventable patient safety incidents, such as leaving foreign objects behind during surgery, pressure ulcers [bedsores], accidental cuts during medical care; deep blood clots, collapsed lung pneumothorax, postoperative hip fracture, bloodstream infection, deaths after surgical complications, and postop sepsis. Annual study released March 2023 by Healthgrades.

Hip Replacement Surgery (MedlinePlus)

The MedlinePlus site for Hip replacement surgery is free of advertisement. Information provided on implants, hip resurfacing, total hip joints, risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)/blood clot, minimally invasive hip surgery; hip rehab exercises.

Hospital Compare – at medicare.gov (all states) Hospital star ratings, complications Editor's Pick

Visit Hospital Compare to find hospital star ratings and complications for hospitals in all states. Compare 3 hospitals at one time. Federal government (at medicare.gov) gives 1 to 5 stars and compares hospital ratings for heart attack (AMI), heart failure, pneumonia, COPD, stroke, hip & knee, preventing infections and surgical complications, timeliness of Emergency (ER) dept., use of medical imaging. Most data are from calendar 2021, but may vary by measure. Includes death rate comparisons from heart failure, heart attack, pneumonia, COPD, stroke, CABG; and return to hospital (readmission) rates. Click on Timely & Effective Care, or Complications. Shows patient satisfaction HCAHPS ratings (patient experience opinions) from 2021. Some info on colonoscopies and cataracts. Editor’s Pick because it’s the best of what is out there. The federal government standardized broad ratings for all hospitals, and most ratings are based on more than just Medicare patients. Small volume hospitals will not show data for some measures. Graphs are no longer available. Today’s stars may reflect older data than shown at the website. Read the fine print. Updated October 2022.

Hospital Ratings at HealthGrades (all states) 2023

HealthGrades Hospital Ratings (5-star, 3-star, 1-star) for 2023 on over 30 diseases & inpatient procedures: Stroke, back surgery, COPD, diabetes, gall bladder surgery, bowel obstruction, GI Bleed, hip fracture repair, hip replacement, total knee replacement, prostate removal, TURP, hysterectomy (listed under gynecologic surgeries), respiratory failure, pneumonia, cardiac bypass, heart attack, heart failure, angioplasty, defibrillator, pacemaker, valve surgery, sepsis, pancreatitis, pulmonary embolism, abdominal aneurysm, stomach surgery, peripheral vascular bypass & more. Probably Medicare-only data for most conditions, although some states provide maternity, appendectomy, and bariatric surgery (gastric bypass) data. More extensive list than the federal government’s site. Publicly-traded company. Most data in 2023 ratings are from Medicare patients, from 2018 to 2020. Patient satisfaction ratings (2020-2021 data) are featured by HealthGrades. One hospital at time, unfortunately. No longer Editor’s Pick, since HealthGrades removed the 3-year patient volume, and actual mortality or complication rates compared to predicted. Mostly, the site shows which ratings awards were given to the hospital by HealthGrades – a fee likely was required for publicizing the award.

Hysterectomy: What, Why, Recovery, Risks

Get the basics (what, why, recovery, risks) on hysterectomy surgery (uterus removal) from womenshealth.gov, and find out how common hysterectomies are. Links to information on endometriosis. Toll free help line if you want more information: 1-800-994-9662 (weekdays), National Women’s Health Information Center

Illinois Hospital and Ambulatory Surgery Center Ratings and Prices (IDPH)

Illinois hospital and ambulatory surgery center ratings and prices, from IDPH. Compare IL hospitals on patient satisfaction ratings; heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia, surgical infection prevention, knee arthroscopy, cardiac surgery, safety measures, infection rates, some survival information, more. See volume and 2019-2020 median charges (closest you’ll get to average cost) for selected types of inpatients (e.g. birth, c-section, appendectomy, COPD, gall bladder), and outpatients at ambulatory surgery centers (such as arthroscopy priced at $42,000 average in IL), bunionectomy (which had a statewide list price at $23, 374), hernia repair ($24,600), colonoscopy ($7,400), lens, lumpectomy, tonsillectomy (almost $15,000). Prices may be found under the SERVICES tab after you select the hospital or facility. May get a full report for one hospital or ambulatory surgery center at a time, or one measure at a time for multiple facilities side-by-side, with state averages. Hospital Report Card by IL Dept. of Public Health (IDPH) for all IL cities incl. Chicago area, Peoria, Rockford, Springfield, Champaign. Updated with 2018-2020 prices, 2019 and 2020 quality data, and 2019 patient satisfaction scores. Add medical inflation costs of 10%.

Indiana Ambulatory Surgical Center Consumer Reports

Indiana Ambulatory Surgical Center consumer reports show information current to 2023. IN State Dept. of Health (ISDH) reports license expiration date, accreditation status, survey inspection findings, deficiencies, substantiated complaints, services available and more, for outpatient ambulatory surgery centers. Unfortunately, the site relies on the mapping software by arcgis.com. That software is finicky and often unresponsive.

Infection Prevention Basics for Consumers (APIC)

Find the basics on infection prevention for consumers, from APIC. Learn how patients and families can break the chain of infection inside and outside of healthcare settings. The Association For Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) provides monthly alerts. Formerly PreventInfection.org

Iowa – Average Price for Ambulatory Surgery 2021

Compare 2021 average prices for ambulatory outpatient surgery at Iowa hospitals. Costs do not include surgeon fee or other professional charges. Check one procedure at a time. Average charge billed last year for Upper GI endoscopy was between $7,000 and $8,000 (rounded to the nearest thousand dollars). Colonoscopy average cost was between $5,000 and $8,000 excluding physician fees. Simple cataract $8,000 to $9,000. Tonsillectomy with adenoid removal, over age 11 was $10,000. One ear tube cost $12,000. Average charge for shoulder surgery $23k to $25,000. Laparoscopic gall bladder removal averaged $20k in hospital charges. Inguinal hernia repair (laparoscopic) averaged $28,000. Knee ACL repair averaged $34,000 in Iowa. Bunion correction surgery was $22,000 in average charges. An outpatient vasectomy was $7,000. Hysterectomy average charges were $26,000. Individual hospitals shown if they have enough volume. However, volumes are not shown. More ambulatory surgery procedures are listed. From the IA Hospital Association; reasonably easy to use. Updated 2022.

Iowa Hospital Inpatient Charges Compare 2021 prices

Iowa Hospital Charges Compare provides information about volumes and average 2021 charges (amount billed) and median price at IA hospitals. This site is for consumers who want to find the average cost of surgery or other inpatient services. Select one hospital to begin. See price, length of stay, number of cases and more. Must select city first, then body system before finding the procedure. Provided by the Iowa Hospital Association, this is a starting point for comparing average cost of care between Iowa hospitals. Compare typical prices for surgery such as gall bladder removal, bowel surgery, knee joint replacement (only general knee surgery is shown for 2021, average cost of about $70,000); childbirth (listed under women’s health) and newborns, pneumonia, stroke, heart care, transplants, COPD, rehab, and many medical conditions. Severity of illness is shown. Limited focus to one service and category at a time. Average cost (and median charges) across the state are also shown for each procedure. Average charge for delivering a baby (vaginal, uncomplicated) was $11,618 in Iowa in 2021; moderate severity averaged $13,224. Average newborn (normal weight, uncomplicated) charge was $4,485. Physician and surgeon’s charges are not included in the prices. Updated 2022.

Knee Replacement Surgery (MedlinePlus)

MedlinePlus website on Knee Replacement Surgery shows important topics: total knee replacement surgery, joint replacement (arthroplasty), revision surgery, conditioning, rehabilitation exercises, deciding to have hip or knee surgery, and more. Many videos on minimally invasive surgery. We like MedlinePlus so much better than WebMD. It’s ad-free, a service of our National Library of Medicine (NLM) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Leapfrog – Minimum Volume Surgery Recommendations (Evidence-based Hospital Referral) Editor's Pick

The Leapfrog Group has Evidence-Based Hospital Referral Safety Standards that include recommended minimum volumes for certain surgical procedures. They include minimum annual hospital volumes as follows: 50 procedures for knee replacement (minimum 25 for a surgeon), minimum 50 hospital procedures for hip replacement (minimum 25 for surgeon), 40 mitral valve repair and replacement (minimum 20 for a surgeon), minimum 10 open aortic procedures (10 for surgeon), minimum 20 for pancreatic resections for cancer (10 for surgeon), esophageal resection 20 (7 for surgeon); 40 minimum for lung resections (15 per surgeon); minimum 50 bariatric surgery for weight loss (20 for surgeon); minimum 20 carotid endarterectomy (10 for surgeon) and other volume standards for rectal cancer, open aortic procedures and the Norwood procedure (infant heart). Read about the specifics, then go to the Hospital Quality Ratings category, and check the Leapfrog data for information on your local hospitals. Updated April 2022.

Leapfrog Hospital Quality Ratings – For Consumers (all states) Editor's Pick

Louisiana Hospital Ratings and Prices – LA Hospital Inform

Louisiana Hospital Ratings and Prices from lahospitalinform.org. The most recent quality ratings and outpatient charges (prices) at this site are from 2020. Consumers could add minimum 5.3% medical inflation to translate to 2022 dollars. No dates on the number of inpatients and inpatient charges. Compare 3 hospitals at a time, side by side. Average costs are not shown; only range of charges (low price and high price only) for Medicare patients. Also compare hospitals on number of cases at LA hospitals. Find hip or knee surgery price range, gall bladder removal, psychiatric admission, rehab, heart problems, stent, stomach problems, stroke, GI hemorrhage, kidney failure, COPD, pneumonia, diabetes, bowel surgery, more. Outpatient Medicare prices include heart tests such as cardiac cath, heart imaging, pacemaker; CAT scan or CT angiography; GI endoscopy, mental health, general surgery, chest x-ray, MRI, more. Because it’s Medicare patients only, childbirth delivery, C-section and newborn average costs are not included. Quality tab shows volumes for each procedure and scores from Hospital Compare (federal government site). LA Hospital Inform is sponsored by the Louisiana Hospital Association.

Maine – Average Cost for Hospital and Doctor Visits (2020-2021) Editor's Pick

Find the average cost for both hospital and doctor visits in Maine in 2020 to 2021. These “costs” may be less than charges or prices, since they are what 35 commercial payers actually paid for the service in the 12 months ending March 31, 2021. Compare costs at different clinics and hospitals. Average cost for an ER visit in Maine was $604 for a moderate severity emergency department visit (before adding lab, imaging and other tests). A high severity visit (code 99284) to the ED cost $1,029 before other test costs were added in. Average vaginal delivery costs (median payment) was $16,451 for Childbirth delivery and 60 days of related care. This was up 15% from the prior year. (Does include physician care, but probably not newborn charges). An uncomplicated C-Section averaged $24,257, up 8%. Find costs for other surgeries by hospital, such as hip or knee joint replacement, arthroscopy, colonoscopy, hernia repair, tonsillectomy and gall bladder surgery. Find many median (middle) payments here physician office visits ($116 average cost for 15-minute appt for an established patient 99213), CT, MRI, x-ray, lab tests and more. A one hour crisis psychotherapy visit averaged $218. An ongoing 60 minute psychotherapy visit (90837) cost $100 on average. Uses CPT codes. All “average cost” figures are actually median payment. Almost 8 million claims were analyzed. However, no Medicare or Medicaid claims were included. More surgery costs were added this past year, so we are giving this the Editor’s Pick award. From Maine Health Data Organization in State of Maine

Maine Costs for Surgery, x-ray, imaging, lab tests (MHDO)

Compare costs in Maine for surgery, x-ray, imaging and lab tests across hospitals and medical groups. MHDO Maine Health Data Organization’s website shows average amount paid (median “cost”) by commercial insurance for surgery such as hip or knee replacement, shoulder arthroscopy, carpal tunnel, gallbladder removal; skin growth removal; lab tests such as strep, blood tests, urine. Imaging tests such as mammogram, x-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound. Diagnostic procedures such as colonoscopy. Good news is that both physician and hospital charges for surgery are shown to give you an idea of total cost (and discounts); CPT codes listed. Costs for surgery, office visits and tests are from 2020-2021 claims, excluding Medicare and Medicaid. Search by city or zip code radius. From maine.gov; updated 2022.

Maryland Hospital Prices, 2021 Editor's Pick

Compare hospital prices in Maryland for 2021. Volume (number of cases) and average charges (prices) at each Maryland hospital (by name) and statewide are available for more than 300 of the most common inpatient diagnoses. Includes newborns (average cost $2,371), childbirth vaginal delivery ($9,625), c-section (avg. $12,203), septicemia, heart failure, COPD, pneumonia, hip replacement ($32,015), knee joint replacement (average cost $33,602), cardiac arrhythmia, major depression ($14,207), bipolar admissions ($13,804 state average), schizophrenia ($18,932), cellulitis ($11,748), stroke, urinary tract infections ($11,438) and rehabilitation ($30,455). Data from first half of 2021. Hospital prices for the same procedure can vary widely. For example, inpatient hip replacement cost $35,199 on average at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, which had the largest program and an average length of stay of 4.3 days. Sinai Hospital, on the other hand had an average price over $52,000, which was the highest of any hospital that did at least 80 hip cases in six months. Sinai’s length of stay was 6.7 days. Mercy Medical Center had one of the shortest average stays – 1.8 days, and an average charge under $22,000. Easy to use website; easy to sort columns. Consumers can also view the average cost for commercial insurance patients compared to Medicare or Medicaid, for example. By MD Health Care Commission MHCC 2022.

Maryland Hospital Quality Ratings (MHCC)

Compare Maryland hospital quality ratings. Overall patient reviews (consumer satisfaction), quality and safety ratings for people hospitalized in Maryland. Topics include different types of infections, emergency department (ER) waiting time, heart conditions, pneumonia, COPD, hip and knee surgery, imaging, stroke, maternity and newborn care, surgery infections for hysterectomy, colon surgery and more. Search by condition or procedure might be the most helpful. Actual hospital scores are shown, but the dates are not. Also unclear what the definitions and dates are, for the national comparisons. Published by MD Health Care Commission (MHCC). Other than knowing how old the data used in the quality measures are, this might be the best state-based rating of hospitals in the US. Updated 2022.

Massachusetts – Serious Reportable Events in Hospitals and Ambulatory Surgery Centers, 2019

Massachusetts 2019 Serious Reportable Events shows surgical mistakes, pressure ulcers (bedsores), or serious injury or death after a fall or medication error, and other mishaps in MA acute care hospitals, non-acute hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers. Wrong site surgery (e.g. operating on the wrong body part) occurred during 2019 at Massachusetts General Hospital (9 incidents), 23 other hospitals, and 2 ambulatory surgery centers. Of the 497 Stage 3 & 4 pressure ulcers on acute care patients in 2019, 109 occurred at Brigham & Women’s Hospital. In non-acute hospitals, more than half of the reportable events were serious injury or death after a fall. Hebrew Rehabilitation Center (both locations) and Tewksbury Hospital each reported more than 15 serious falls. Excel files only. From Mass.gov Health and Human Services, November 2020. No updates as of Nov. 6, 2022.

Massachusetts Hospital Ratings – Infection Rates

Find infection rates for Massachusetts hospitals in 2021. Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI) in MA hospitals, show infection rates for hip, knee, hysterectomy, CABG and colon surgery. Also shows infection types: CLABSI, CAUTI, CDI, and MRSA. Volume of cases also shown. Find staff vaccination rates for influenza. Choose the Interactive HAI Map to see ratings for each individual hospital. Published by Mass. Health and Human Services, September 2022.

Michigan Hospital Ratings: VerifyMIcare.org

Find Michigan hospital ratings at verifyMIcare.org. Website from Michigan Hospital Association’s Keystone Center allows consumers to compare care at MI hospitals. Compare 3 hospitals at a time on how well they rate on infections, overall mortality (survival rates), readmissions, some obstetrics care such as c-sections, complications from surgery, and length of stay for hip or knee replacement surgery, stroke, heart failure or pneumonia. Includes critical access hospitals in rural areas and metro hospitals in the Detroit, Ann Arbor and Lansing areas. Most quality ratings reflect data from 2019-2020. Must click on the checkmark (or plus or minus signs) to see the dates, which are otherwise hidden. Patient satisfaction and experience ratings are also shown for 2018-2019. No updates as of April 2023.

Minnesota – Adverse Health Events in MN Hospitals & Ambulatory Surgery Ctrs

Report of adverse health events that happened in Minnesota hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers and behavioral health hospitals. Examples of these Never Events are pressure ulcers (bedsores) that resulted in a patient’s death or serious injury; falls; a foreign object left in during surgery, or operating on the wrong patient or wrong body part. They were reported between October 2020 and Oct. 2021, during the Covid-19 pandemic. There were a number of serious injuries and deaths. For the past two years, MN reports only for each facility and doesn’t tally the total for the state. Minnesota law requires the events to be reported. View facility-specific data in the interactive database, one hospital at a time. Adverse Events in the 2022 report came from close to 80 hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers. Report by MN Department of Health August 2022.

Minnesota – Hospital Price Check (Inpatient & Outpatient)

Minnesota Hospital Price Check gives hospital-specific prices (charges) for all inpatient hospitalizations and top 25 same-day surgery procedures in MN. Find average and median inpatient cost (before discounts) and volume for newborns and child birth delivery, pneumonia, chest pain, COPD, hip or knee replacement, appendectomy, cellulitis, hysterectomy, rehab, other surgeries & many more. Outpatient prices for biopsies, cataracts, colonoscopy, ear tubes, gallbladder (cholecystectomy), hernia repair, arthroscopy, tonsillectomy, upper GI endoscopy, hysteroscopy, carpal tunnel and other same-day surgery. Hospitalizations are described in medical terms. Because the site uses coding phrases and medical terms (e.g cholecystectomy instead of gall bladder), consumers should be prepared ahead to type in the correct term. Compare 3 hospitals, one procedure at a time; excludes doctor charges; by Minnesota Hospital Association, 2021 prices and volumes of cases. Shows statewide average charge also.

Missouri Hospital ER Cost and Inpatient Prices and Quality – Compare Hospitals Editor's Pick

Missouri hospital ER prices, inpatient cost and quality ratings. To compare hospital costs, click on Find a Hospital, then Pricing Data to find the average 2021 price (median charge) for common inpatient medical conditions and surgeries at Missouri (MO) hospitals. In addition, if you click on the arrow to expand, you will find a range of charges, average length of stay, and number of cases per year shown. Childbirth, maternity, mental health, hip and knee surgery, heart care, etc. Must know the general body system (such as musculoskeletal) in order to search inpatient prices.

Emergency department (ER Emergency Room) visit costs are shown separately by “level”. In Missouri, nearly 2/3 of the ER visits were at Levels 3 and 4. Median charge for Level 3 ER visit in 2021 (the most common, moderate severity & moderately complex case) was $1,746. This was 7.6% higher than last year. The second most common ER visit was Level 4 (high severity), had an average cost of $4,435, up almost 7% from 2020. The highest possible Level 5 visit cost $7,748 on average, up 9% from 2020. Just 11% of ER patients were classified as Level 1 or 2; the median prices for these low level visits were $541 and $880 respectively. Average prices shown for 2021. We assume these average costs reflect base price only, without “extra” test costs, and possibly without physician fees. Such information was not readily available at the site. The cost numbers are “sticker price”, not what insurance pays after discounts. Hospital “self-pay discounts” (e.g., 30% or 40% discount off the full charges) are listed at the site. Hospital Quality data also shown at this site. Compare hospitals on infections, readmissions, falls, and other patient safety results. Editor’s Pick for putting all of this information in one place and timely reporting on quality and costs. Published by the Missouri Hospital Association.

Montana Hospital Inpatient Charges – Compare Prices

Compare inpatient prices at Montana hospitals. MHA PricePoint shows median and average charges for inpatient stays (2019-2020 prices), including newborns, deliveries, Cesarean section, knee or hip replacement, rehab, psychiatric hospitalization, back problems, heart failure, stent, chest pain, bowel surgery, more. Length of stay also shown. An admission for Psychoses (severe psychological disorders) in MT averaged 8.7 days with a median charge of $12,699 and average cost $18,085 in 2019-2020. Joint replacement was $40,885 average, 2.0 day stay. Uncomplicated maternity stay cost $11,051 in 2019-2020 (average charge). Average cost for a normal newborn stay was $3,231. Consumers may wish to add about 7% medical inflation to estimate 2022 prices. Discounts to insured patients are not shown. PricePoint site by MHA-Montana Hospital Association.

Montana Hospital Outpatient Surgery and Test Costs

Find out how much outpatient surgery and imaging tests cost in Montana in 2019-2020. Compare MT hospital charges for ambulatory surgery and diagnostic tests such as colonoscopy (median charge $2,611 for a diagnostic colonoscopy code 45378), sigmoidoscopy, breast biopsy, cardiac stress tests, cardiac catheterization. All prices EXCLUDE surgeon fees and other physician costs. PricePoint system shows facility prices in the past, for common surgical procedures such as tonsillectomy (median $6,004 with adenoid removal, under age 12, code 42820), cataracts, ear tubes, knee cartilage, bunions, child’s appendix removal, carpal tunnel, gallbladder removal, skin lesions, upper GI endoscopy; x ray, CT, MRI (e.g. spine MRI without dye had a median price of $1,692, code 72148) and other radiology imaging prices listed. Costs are from July 2019-June 2020. Consumers may wish to add medical inflation to estimate 2023 prices. No updates available as of April 2023.

Nebraska Hospital PricePoint System (Inpatient Charges)

Find average price and typical charges for most types of inpatient hospital stays in Nebraska for 2019. Compare average hospital prices in the PricePoint system. Example of hospitalizations: maternity prices, angioplasty, heart surgery, some cancer services, hip & knee surgery, bowel surgery, kidney and other transplants, pneumonia, stroke, some mental health psych services, UTI, gall bladder surgery (inpatient only). If you can’t find it, check the comprehensive list (e.g. MDC 19 for mental health). Vaginal delivery (mom only) cost $9,725 on average; normal newborn was $3,575. Includes volume, average length of stay in the hospital, and median age of patient. Does not include physician costs. Shows one hospital/ one disease or condition at a time along with the state median charge. Or compare hospitals (statewide numbers are not shown in this view); 2019 data. All cities including Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island, Creighton, Norfolk, Kearney. NHA Care Compare is sponsored by the Nebraska Hospital Association. No updates as of April 2022.

Nevada Hospital and ER Ratings and Patient Satisfaction Scores

Compare Nevada hospital ratings, ER care, and patient satisfaction scores. NV hospital performance ratings on Emergency care, mortality for Heart care, pneumonia, stroke, and COPD; infections, adverse events (mistakes), plus patient opinion ratings. Shows 2020-2021 data. Click on the green “ABOUT” button on each measure to see the data collection dates for each measure. Some measures may be the same as at CMS Hospital Compare website, but dates may vary. Consumers may view 3 or more hospitals side-by-side. When updated December 2022, the Patient Satisfaction ratings were not always working properly. Nevada Hospital Association website.

Nevada PricePoint Hospital Inpatient Charges for 2021

Nevada PricePoint Hospital Inpatient Charges for 2021. Find average cost and typical prices for many types of inpatient hospitalizations in NV. Examples: childbirth prices, COPD, heart surgery, pacemaker, stents, hip & knee surgery, digestive problems, psychiatric hospitalization, rehab. Volume and average length of stay in the hospital also given. A normal newborn charge in 2021 averaged $4,830. Most diagnosis types have 2021 prices, but maternity stays were not populated. (Average price for vaginal delivery without complications in Nevada in 2018 [mom only] was a whopping $22,150, 1.9 days average length of stay. The median charge was about the same, for a cost of nearly $12,000 per day. Average c-section 2018 price was $37,000, without complications.) Physician fees are extra and not shown. A psychiatric stay for depression had an average charge of nearly $21,000, average 5.2 days in hospital. (The median charge was $12,600.) Average hip or knee joint replacement had an average cost of $152,973 in Nevada in 2021, with a 2.1 day stay. Get one hospital/one disease or condition at a time, then select other hospitals to compare. Calendar year 2021 charges shown. Sponsored by the Nevada Hospital Association.

New Hampshire Prices for Physician Visits, ER, Outpatient Hospital and Dental Care – Compare (free) Editor's Pick

Compare New Hampshire prices for physician office visits, Emergency Room, psychotherapy, dental care, hospital outpatient lab tests, PT visits and some surgery. Ambulance and medium level ER prices are included in NH. Prices are estimated at 2021-2022 prices plus 5% price inflation. Statewide cost estimate is also shown. (Example is $286 average cost for an office visit 99214. But for the uninsured, costs after discounts in a few towns could be below $100.) Choose Medical or Dental. The average dental cleaning for an adult cost $122. The average cost for a comprehensive dental exam in New Hampshire is estimated at $120. Select insurance, or uninsured to compare charges with your deductible. “Show All Procedures” will let you select procedure, test (e.g. lab, Radiology such as x-ray, MRI, CT or ultrasound), office visit or service. Tonsillectomy, gall bladder surgery, hernia repair, colonoscopy and a few other surgeries are bundled to include surgeon and anesthesia costs. Price transparency project developed by the New Hampshire Insurance Department. NH HealthCost is an excellent website, easy to navigate. It is more current than most, and has earned Editor’s Pick.

New Jersey Hospital Quality Assessment – heart, pneumonia, infections

Compare NJ hospitals on Heart Attacks, Heart Failure, Pneumonia, and Infection Prevention for surgery, cardiac bypass grafts, surgical infections; central line (CLABSI) and catheter (CAUTI) infections prepared by the NJ Department of Health and Senior Services. Mortality ratings for heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia, stroke, and CABG are also shown. Patient Safety Indicators, Infections, and most other reports use 2021 quality assessment data. Some outpatient measures are included. NJ Dept. of Health prepares the NJ Hospital Quality Assessment.

New York State Hospital Quality Ratings – health.ny.gov

Find hospital ratings on quality in New York state. Select NY hospitals to compare in care areas like maternity, emergency department waiting time, post-op complications, cardiac, patient satisfaction, readmissions, death rates or infection prevention. Data are pretty old and very hard to find (hover over the hospital’s score, or see the dates on the Printable Page). Most data are from somewhere between 2017 and 2020. Patient satisfaction, if reported, reflects 2020 scores. Services include maternity (2017 scores) and volumes for some types of surgery (e.g. endoscopy, colonoscopy, hernia repair) and procedure counts for MRI, CT, cancer chemotherapy and psych evaluations. Many measures (e.g. surgery complications and mortality) and volume data go back to 2017. New York State Department of Health (health.ny.gov) site NY Health Profiles. You can select hospitals to compare, to see performance measures side by side.

Nova Scotia Wait Times for Tests and Surgery Editor's Pick

Excellent government web site from Nova Scotia Canada shows the wait times for diagnostic tests such as MRIs, CT, bone density scans, mammograms, breast biopsy (needle), ultrasound, and upper GI series. Waiting times for scheduled surgery such as ear tubes, hip or knee replacement, bunionectomy, carpal tunnel, gallbladder removal, heart or valve surgery, hysterectomy, hernia repair, tonsillectomy, and cataract surgery; and how long to get a consult with physician specialists (such as cancer specialists). View by doctor’s or surgeon’s name, in addition to hospital and facility. Information is very recent, updated 2023. Editor’s Pick for novascotia.ca

Oregon – compare hospital and outpatient surgery costs (2020)

Compare hospital and outpatient surgery costs in Oregon. The most recent data are from 2020 costs. However, only the difficult-to-use Excel files full of data are available from the government OHA – Oregon Health Authority. Click on HOSPITAL PAYMENT REPORTS. Look for the statewide numbers to see median commercial payment across the state. Hospitals with the larger volumes for any given procedure, also show their median cost for both 2020 and 2019. In the past, a set of reports (instead of just the data file) showed the median amount PAID by commercial insurance companies. Costs paid, are after any discounts off charges (prices) have been taken. The file may have more than one line for what appears to be the same procedure. For example, two median costs are shown for Hernia repair – the outpatient surgery cost was close to $11,000 while the inpatient cost was nearly $27,000. Read closely. The user-unfriendly data file was updated June 2022.

If you choose the older Reports (2017 or 2018), select OUTPATIENT SURGERIES Report for same-day procedures such as breast biopsy ($3,302 median paid in 2017), carpal tunnel ($4.313), colonoscopy ($2,383), ambulatory gallbladder surgery ($11,697), hernia repair ($8,605 median paid), knee or shoulder arthroscopy, tonsillectomy ($6,380), tympanostomy (ear tubes $4,680), upper endoscopy, and more. Select INPATIENT Procedures Report to compare hospitals on costs for appendectomy, coronary bypass, kidney removal, inpatient gallbladder surgery or hernia repair, inpatient hip replacement, hysterectomy, angioplasty and more. Select PREGNANCY report to find 2017 maternity costs paid (about $8,400 for normal delivery, $14,838 for uncomplicated c-section and $2,200 for newborns). Compare hospital payments for IMAGING such as CT, MRI, Nuclear Medicine tests, ECG, x-ray, bone density studies. Compare amounts paid for RADIATION AND (outpatient) CHEMOTHERAPY infusions or injections. The reports are easier to read, cover a large set of services, and show each hospital’s payment, along with what was paid the year before. Unfortunately, the information in the reports is 5 to 6 years old. When estimating, consider medical inflation which has been about 14% from 2017 to 2022. Hospital costs may have gone up much more than that. Average amount paid for one type of hernia repair surgery, for example, rose more than 9% per year in the past 3 years – to nearly $11,000.

Pennsylvania Hospital Performance Report 2021 | PHC4 Editor's Pick

Find hospital performance reports in Pennsylvania for 2021, through PHC4. Compare PA hospitals on Mortality Rating (relative survival rate), Average Charge (price), and Readmission rates. Thirteen (13) conditions in the reports include heart failure, abnormal heartbeat, heart attack, stroke, intestinal obstruction, COPD, diabetes, kidney failure, urinary tract infections, sepsis, blood clot in lung, chest pain, and respiratory failure. As an example, there were 57,037 sepsis cases in Pennsylvania in 2020-2021, with an average mortality rate of 10.9%. (In the prior year report, those with Covid were separated. The sepsis patients with Covid, led to a 27.9% mortality rate in the prior year). The average charge for Sepsis was $73,112. (In a separate report, you can find that Medicare most often paid an average $12,830 for sepsis.) About 18% were readmitted. There were 24 hospitals that had worse mortality than expected for sepsis; and 18 hospitals that had significantly lower mortality than expected. Symbols for Mortality ratings can be confusing – a higher mortality rating means worse survival. Older reports may have laparoscopic gallbladder removal information and pneumonia information. No orthopedic (hip or knee) surgery included. Data from Oct. 2020 to Sept. 2021, published by the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4), December 2022.

South Carolina – Compare Hospital Associated Infection Rates (HAIs)

Compare hospital infection rates (HAIs) at South Carolina hospitals. Surgical site infection rates at SC hospitals for colon surgery, hysterectomy (abdominal), hip and knee replacements, and heart bypass (CABG), 2020 data. Central line infections in hospital ICUs, c. difficile and MRSA also shown. Compare hospitals for each type of infection, beginning on page 35. Published November 2021 by South Carolina state Department of Health (DHEC). Also check the list for rates of annual influenza vaccination of healthcare workers in hospitals, in the Healthcare Personnel Vaccination Report published in August. No updates as of Feb. 1, 2023.

Surgeon Scorecard – Knees, Hips, Gallbladder, Spinal Fusion, Prostate Surgery, Medicare 2015

Surgeon Scorecard for knee, hip, gallbladder, spinal fusion and prostate surgery shows complications for each hospital and doctor. It compares individual surgeons’ complication rates (risk-adjusted) for Medicare patients having one of 8 types of inpatient surgery: hip or knee replacement, laparoscopic gallbladder removal, cervical (neck) or lumbar spinal fusion (either posterior or anterior technique), and prostate resection or removal. Analysis by ProPublica looked at billing records from 2009 to 2013. Numbers of cases shown are MEDICARE-ONLY (although the column title omits that point), and require at least 20 cases for a doctor’s rate to be shown. Physician’s rate combines his/her Medicare cases at all hospitals. Website was somewhat controversial in 2015. Tool is easy to use, but it is just a historical snapshot. Unfortunately, data have not been updated by ProPublica.

Surgical Safety Checklist proves effective – NEJM

Surgical Safety Checklist proves to be effective, as published by the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). Article by Haynes, Weiser et al (including our favorite Atul Gawande MD) outlines the effectiveness of an easy-to-implement surgical checklist. The study tested the tool and approach with about 4000 patients in eight hospitals (incl. one in Seattle) in 8 countries, providing a diverse application of the checklist. Results showed significant and dramatic improvement in lowering surgical site infections, returns to OR, deaths, and complications. Very exciting stuff when published in January 2009. Now it has become standard of care. Classic article.

Texas – Guide to Texas HMO Quality 2020-2021 (OPIC)

The Guide to Texas HMO Quality 2020-2021 shows detailed clinical quality comparisons of HMO health insurance plans. Compare HMOs Aetna, Christus, Cigna, Community First, FIRSTCARE, HMO Blue Texas, Humana Health Plan, Memorial Hermann, Scott and White, and United Healthcare of Texas. Indicators include asthma, childhood immunizations, cancer screening, heart care, high blood pressure, diabetes care, prenatal care, behavioral health, mental illness care and followup, opioid prescriptions, flu shots, antibiotic utilization rates, rates of physician board certification, and more. Lengthy (226 pages) but valuable report. Published by TX Office of Public Insurance Council. No updates as of October 2022.

Texas – Inpatient Care Ratings and Charges in Texas Hospitals

Compare Inpatient Care ratings and average charges for Texas hospitals. At least two dozen separate quality ratings and patient safety ratings include patients of any payer type and pediatric ratings. Compare hospital volumes, mortality (survival rates), and certain utilization rates (i.e. cesarean section, VBAC rate). Survival rates and number of cases for heart attack (AMI), heart failure CHF, stroke, GI hemorrhage, hip fracture, and pneumonia. Select the measure from the drop-down menu in each section to find quality ratings. Volume and death rates provided for heart bypass surgery (CABG), angioplasty (PCI), AAA Repair, esophageal resection, pancreatic resection, and carotid endarterectomy. See if your hospital’s risk-adjusted rate is significantly better or worse than other hospitals. Average inpatient charges for 2019 are also listed. Medical price inflation has been about 9.5% (on average) since 2019. The average cost of a primary C-Section in TX was $19,750, or with price inflation, about $21,623 in 2022 dollars. TX Dept. of State Health Services THCIC. Updated with 2019 data, as of December 2022.

usnews.com Best Hospitals 2022-2023: Neurology and Neurosurgery

US News & World Report’s list of top 50 hospitals for Neurology care and Neurosurgery. NYU Langone Hospitals (New York) and UCSF Medical Center (San Francisco) lead the 2022-2023 list. Stroke, carotid artery stent, craniotomy and multiple sclerosis included in this category. Minimum number of Medicare cases = 227 over 3 years, 2018-2020. Neuro rankings published July 2022.

usnews.com Best Hospitals 2022-2023: Ophthalmology (Eye)

Who are the best hospitals for eye surgery (ophthalmology) in 2022-2023, according to usnews.com? Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at University of Miami Hospital, and Wills Eye Hospital at Thomas Jefferson in Philadelphia top US News & World Report’s 202 2-23 list of best hospital Ophthalmology programs. Twelve hospitals are listed for eye surgery, ranked using reputation scores only from 2020-2022 physician surveys. Additional “high performing” hospitals are listed. No clinical outcomes data were examined (except what individual physicians responding to the survey may have considered on their own).

usnews.com Best Hospitals 2022-2023: Urology Rankings

Find the best hospitals for urology, according to the rankings by usnews.com for 2022-2023. Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) and Cleveland Clinic lead the Urology list of 50 best hospitals from US News & World Report. List uses Medicare data from 2018-2020, reputation and other factors; includes cases of prostatectomy, TURP, kidney stones and other urologic surgery. Minimum 69 Medicare cases over 3 years.

usnews.com Best Hospitals 2023-2024: Ear, nose, and throat

US News rankings list of best hospitals for 2023-2024 in ear, nose and throat, uses 3 years of Medicare data (3 years 2019-2021, with minimum numbers that must be met), to select the top 50 best hospitals for ENT. Top of the list: Stanford Health Care-Stanford Hospitals (California), University of Texas MD Anderson (Houston), and UCLA Medical Center (Los Angeles). Updated August 2023.

usnews.com Best Hospitals 2023-2024: Gastroenterology & GI Surgery

Find the best hospitals in gastroenterology and GI Surgery for 2023-2024 from usnews.com. Fifty hospitals are ranked, using Medicare data 2019-2021, survival rates (30-day mortality scores), volume, reputation and other factors. Mayo Clinic once again leads the 2023-24 list; Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles is again ranked number 2. GI problems, inpatient Gall bladder cases, & bowel surgery are included in this best hospitals category. Minimum 3-year volume of 429 inpatient Medicare cases, of which 115 need to be GI Surgery patients. Updated August 2023.

usnews.com Best Hospitals 2023-2024: Obstetrics & Gynecology Rankings

Brigham and Women’s Hospital (Boston) which received a “perfect score”, Johns Hopkins (Baltimore) and Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) top the list of 2023-2024 best hospitals for Obstetrics & Gynecology from US News & World Report. It should be noted that this list is mostly a ranking for best Gynecology hospitals. The rankings use data Medicare data from 2019 to 2021. Relative survival rates are included. In addition, a transparency measure rewards hospitals for voluntarily reporting maternity care volume, outcomes, and some program data on the annual U.S. News Maternity Care survey. Maternity data is limited. Minimum 200 Medicare gynecology inpatients over 3 years.

usnews.com Best Hospitals 2023-24: Pediatric and Children’s Hospitals

US News & World Report’s top pediatric hospitals for 2023-2024. Best children’s hospitals ranked and rated for pediatric cancer; cardiology and heart surgery; diabetes and endocrinology; gastroenterology (digestive disorders) & GI surgery; neonatology; nephrology (kidney); neurology and neurosurgery; orthopedics; pulmonology (respiratory problems) and lung surgery; and urology. Honor roll of 10 hospitals is led by Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Boston Children’s Medical Center, (second), and Texas Children’s in Houston (third). Regional pediatric ratings also available. (For example, best children’s hospital in the Mid-Atlantic region was Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.) Ratings called Best Children’s Hospitals updated June 2023. Detailed hospital scores and ranking for individual measures such as survival, are in the Methodology report. Consumers can compare children’s hospital scores side-by-side in Appendix C.

Vermont – 2022 Hospital Report Cards (Act 53)

Vermont 2022 hospital ratings are called Act 53 report cards – legislation passed in 2003, requiring VT hospitals to publish annual community reports about hospital quality, safety, financial health, costs for services and more. This government site links the data, including outpatient prices. See if your VT hospital is average, above average, or below average. Health conditions include heart care, pneumonia, surgical infection prevention, central line associated bloodstream infections, c. diff. infections, hysterectomy infections, knee replacement and hip replacement infection rates, volume and death rates, readmissions, psychiatric hospital quality & more. This site permits access to Quality Ratings, Survival Rate information, links to patient satisfaction and current medical prices all on the same web page for easy access. Nurse staffing also available for 2022 for most hospitals. Dates for other reports vary, usually up to 2021 data. Information on prices for some procedures, and services such as physician office visits also available. Published at healthvermont.gov August 2022.

Vermont – Hospital Outpatient Surgery Prices, 2022

How much does outpatient surgery cost in Vermont? To find 2022 prices (the most recent available), see Section called Pricing of Common Services at Community Hospitals.

Tables 2A and 3P let you compare average gross charge (the closest you will get to average cost) for most common ambulatory surgery procedures at 14 general hospitals in VT. Table 3P (Other) Prices is more current, to September 2022, and it includes the physician charge. Hip replacement averaged $38,895 in VT. Knee replacement average cost was over $39,000; knee arthroscopy averaged $14,541. Outpatient gallbladder removal was $17,128 on average. A prostate biopsy was about $4,000. Hernia repair averaged $18,297. A tonsillectomy with adenoid removal in a child under age 12 was $12,618. Cataract prices, carpal tunnel release and more than 20 outpatient procedures are shown. Prices varied by hospital.

Table 2A shows prices for some procedures, 12 months through September 30, 2020 (two to three years old). Here you can find prices for ear tubes (myringotomy), outpatient hysterectomy, bunion removal, lumpectomy and other procedures. This table DOES NOT include the surgeon or other physician fees. Medical inflation has been about 4.7% over the past 2 years, and 9% over 3 years. As with all of Vermont’s reports, the font size is about as small as you can get.

Vermont – Inpatient Hospital Average Prices

2022 Vermont Hospital Report Card shows average inpatient prices (gross charges) for each VT hospital’s most frequent inpatient admissions. Sample average prices include newborn delivery (normal newborn $3,529; newborn with medical problems = $5,455, but over $25,000 if the baby had major problems), cesarean section ($20,000 to $24,000), average cost for vaginal delivery $10,342 without complications; pneumonia; total hip or knee replacement (average $41,000), depression (average $19,000), psychoses such as schizophrenia (average $39,000), COPD & emphysema, heart failure, chest pain, rehabilitation, heart rhythm problems, back problems, Spinal fusion about $75,000; kidney or urinary tract infection, and other hospital stays. Compare costs on nearly 60 different types of cases, listed by MS-DRG. Compare all hospitals side-by-side in Table 1A; 2019-2020 average charges were published in 2022. Price hikes for 2022 and 2023 are likely.

Vermont – Outpatient Surgery counts and average price statewide

Find out how many outpatient surgeries (selected types) were done at each Vermont hospital, and the average price statewide. Shows counts (volume, to calculate market share) and average gross charge for period of Oct 2019 to Sept. 2020. Average cost does not include physician charges. Volumes include arthrocentesis, cataract surgery, endoscopy, cholecystectomy (gall bladder surgery), colonoscopy, ear tubes (myringotomy), tonsillectomy, bunionectomy, circumcision, breast biopsy, outpatient vascular catheterization, hernia repair and more. Part of the VT State Act 53 Hospital Community Report series, Table 2B published in June 2022.

Virginia Healthcare Prices – ER Visit, Ambulatory Surgery, Test, Hospital Stay Costs

Find Virginia Healthcare Prices for ER visits, ambulatory surgery, tests and hospital stays. This site shows average price ALLOWED (commercial insurance prices) in 2018 for almost 40 common healthcare services in VA. Includes a mix of outpatient, clinic, hospital stays and other services such as an ambulance (median $550) or an emergency helicopter ride ($19,466 which includes average base cost of $14,402 plus mileage). Examples: hospitalizations (maternity), outpatient xray/imaging, CT and MRI tests; colonoscopy, mammogram; inpatient or ambulatory surgery (e.g. hernia, gall bladder, knee replacement, tonsillectomy, kidney stones); and ER or well-child visits (median $126). Shows median and range of costs and provides a breakout by type of cost: facility, surgeon, anesthesiologist, etc. Also shows average price by setting: clinic vs. hospital vs. ambulatory surgical center; and region of Virginia. The median amount allowed for an ER visit (medium, code 99283) was $1,091. The 2020 report shows allowed amounts for each service that you or your insurance plan ACTUALLY PAID in 2018. More relevant than most pricing information, but lags in timeliness. Add at least 12% medical inflation rate to estimate 2022 costs. Virginia Healthcare Pricing Transparency, from Virginia Health Information (VHI), updated June 2020. No new updates as of August, 2022.

Virginia Hospital Charges and Price Estimates – Inpatient & Outpatient

Find estimated hospital inpatient and outpatient charges in Virginia. Check prices for common hospital stays in VA. Topics for many hospitals include costs for childbirth delivery, newborn, C-Section; mental health, depression, psychiatric, alcohol rehab; hip or knee replacement surgery; cardiac cath, pacemaker, valve, stent; pneumonia, rehabilitation, digestive disorders, small or large bowel surgery, back and neck problems, spinal fusion, bone cancer. Use the price estimator tool to find average cost of doctor’s office visit, gall bladder surgery (cholecystectomy), CT or MRI test, psychotherapy visit and many other common outpatient services. Procedure list and hospitalizations may vary for each hospital. The price estimator tools and “standard charges” machine readable file replace the former PricePoint system. Quality scores are no longer linked. No side-by-side comparisons. Consumers may be required to provide their name and personal information for some hospitals. Provided by the VA Hospital & Healthcare Association (VHHA).

Virginia Hospital Outpatient Charges, Case Numbers, Patient Satisfaction

Compare hospital outpatient charges (prices) in Virginia. Consumers can view median charge (proxy for average cost) in 2019 for selected outpatient surgery by hospital, ambulatory surgery center and for the state. Includes breast surgery, hernia repair, colonoscopy, knee arthroscopy, fibroid removal, laparoscopy, gallbladder, hysterectomy, other gyne surgery, liposuction, eye-lifts or eyelid surgery, and more. Surgeries also show case numbers or volume. Each hospital report shows inpatient cases by service line, financial performance & efficiency; patient satisfaction. Must click on additional tabs to see more information. See detail and read carefully. Prepared by Virginia Health Information (VHI) using 2019 price data, service volume and financial results for 2020, and hospital patient satisfaction for 2020-2021. The prices are old; consumers can add medical inflation factor of 8.2% to guess 2022 prices. It’s nice that ambulatory surgery centers are included for many comparisons, but the average prices need to be more current. Updated 2022.

Washington Hospital Quality Ratings and Satisfaction Levels, 2019-2021

Compare WA hospital quality ratings and scores for patient satisfaction (patient opinions); Surgical Infections (cardiac surgery, orthopedics, hysterectomy, colon); other infections (CLABSI, CAUTI); some maternity measures; Heart Attack, Heart Failure, Pneumonia, Stroke, Surgery (including hip and knee complications), readmissions, Mortality (survival) data for heart care and pneumonia; and more. Consumers can find some of this information at the federal Hospital Compare site. Here all hospital ratings are side-by-side and are easier to see. Data periods may vary from the federal site. Most data are calendar year 2019. Some Emergency Care measures (such as average 24 minutes before patients see a doctor or nurse) reflect older data (2017-2018), since this measure is no longer used. Click on “More Info” to see scores for all hospitals in the state quickly. This website is very easy to use and to read. No updates as of April 2022. Washington State Hospital Association site.

Weight Loss Surgery (MedlinePlus)

Find good (and ad-free) information on weight loss surgery at MedlinePlus. Bariatric surgeries were estimated at 256,000 (2019) and 198,651 in 2020 – down 22%. Revisions comprised just 11 percent of the total during the first pandemic year. Information about risks, bariatric surgery, gastric bypass, laparoscopic Roux-en-Y RYGB procedure (about 21%), sleeve gastrectomy (about 61% of surgeries), stomach band, Body Mass Index (BMI), directories of bariatric physicians, Medicare coverage for weight loss surgery, laparoscopic surgery videos and more. Updated 2023.

Wisconsin – Ambulatory Surgery Facility Charges, 2021

How much does outpatient surgery cost in WI? Compare Wisconsin ambulatory surgery facility charges (prices) for 2021 for each hospital and freestanding ambulatory surgery center. Find average 2021 charges for 20 common ambulatory surgery procedures, such as Colonoscopy (5 codes), Endoscopy, Angiography, Spinal Injection, Cataract & Lens ($7,916 average), Dental Surgery procedure (average $8,012), Total knee replacement (arthroplasty) average price $41,321 (up 4.5%); outpatient Knee surgery/arthroscopy $13,130 (up 5.9%), Carpal Tunnel $7,738 (up 6.8%) and more. For colonoscopy, a less-frequent Colorectal Cancer Screening, or colonoscopy for a patient that is NOT high risk (code G0121) had an average charge of $3,876 (up 4%) in 2021. However, the two most common colonoscopy procedures had an average charge of about $6,300. Number of procedures for each hospital and surgical center are shown for top 20 only. Go to the Overview report for a longer list of 40 procedures including gall bladder removal [laparoscopic cholecystectomy at $21,370 (up 8.8%) average statewide cost], ear tubes, and hernia repair. Prices do NOT include surgeon and physician fees, which may cost thousands of dollars and could double prices shown. Consumers should add medical inflation to estimate 2022 facility prices. Health Care Data Report 2021 by WHA Information Center, published 2022.

Wisconsin CheckPoint – Hospital Ratings and Patient Opinions Editor's Pick

Wisconsin CheckPoint helps you compare hospital quality performance and patient opinion ratings for 127 hospitals in WI. Topics: Birth and C-Section delivery, infections, readmissions; deaths (mortality) data, patient satisfaction, patient safety. Many conditions are rated, such as heart attack, heart failure, CABG and PTCA; pneumonia, surgical post-op infections, hip and knee surgery, vascular, colon surgery and hysterectomy; COPD, pneumonia; patient safety problems such as falls and pressure ulcers.

Also see how many patients would definitely recommend the hospital. (Ratings are listed under Patient Experience.) Compare hospitals on how many patients “understood their care when they left hospital”. Statewide, only 56% said they understood their care during 12 months ending Sept. 30, 2021, down 2 points from 2019. Eighteen (18) hospitals had fewer than half their patients understanding their care when they left the hospital: Marshfield Medical Center (hospitals in Marshfield, Neillsville, Beaver Dam, Rice Lake and Weston); Beloit Health System, Ascension hospitals (St. Francis and Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital in Milwaukee, All Saints Racine, Ozaukee, Mequon), Reedsburg Medical Center, Mayo Clinic Oakridge in Osseo, HSHS St. Nicholas in Sheboygan, Aspirus hospitals (Medford Portage and Rhinelander), Froedert in Kenosha and ThedaCare in New London. Statewide, 29 hospitals significantly under-performed (one-star) on this measure compared to the state average.

Congratulations goes to Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County in Darlington, for achieving 100% healthcare staff influenza vaccination during the 2021-2022 season. At the other end of the spectrum, Hudson Hospital & Clinic came in at an abysmal and embarrassing 41% staff vaccination rate. Ten other hospitals may have been in that low range also, since they chose not to publicly report.

Rankings are shown by stars (one, two, or 3 stars), and consumers can switch to numbers by clicking ‘Show Rates”. Many individual measures reflect 2021-2022 scores. Long-term trends lines are shown for each hospital, measure by measure, and the number of cases for that illness or surgery. Wisconsin Hospital Association makes quarterly updates. WHA receives Editor’s Pick for going beyond CMS measures, for showing all hospitals side-by-side, consumer ease in getting a free overall quality report for one hospital, staying current, and showing comparisons to the benchmark best in the state. Updated 2022.

Wisconsin Hospitals PricePoint (Average Inpatient Prices)

Wisconsin PricePoint tool shows average hospital price, median charge and length of stay for common inpatient services. Full year 2021 prices are shown. Hospitalizations include maternity and newborn births, hip or knee replacement surgery, gallbladder removal, heart surgery, angioplasty, arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), valves, cardiac cath, pacemaker, pneumonia, bipolar and other mental health, stroke, back care, asthma, COPD, rehab; kidney, heart, lung or other transplant; hysterectomy, prostate surgery, bowel surgery & more. Dates are not shown on the consumer version of the PricePoint tool. (See dates by going through the professional tool, from the Home page.) Also shows inpatient volumes if you click on more detail. Median price for a uncomplicated vaginal delivery in 2021, with normal newborn care was just over $16,000 total (about $12,000 for mom and $4,000 for baby). From WHA Information Center, part of the Wisconsin Hospital Association WHA Information Center. Updated Apr. 2022.

Surgeon and other physician fees NOT included. Wisc. Hospital Assn. created the PricePoint System now used in other states. This version of Pricepoint has been modified to be payer-specific, so consumers can get a better idea of average cost. Gross charges (sticker price) should be the same for all patients who have identical care. Must watch a video before proceeding to see the prices; you may also need specific medical information about the procedure in order to select the price you are interested in.

Wisconsin PricePoint – Outpatient & Ambulatory Surgery Cost

Find average cost for outpatient and ambulatory surgery in 2021, from Wisconsin PricePoint. Compare outpatient and ambulatory surgery volume and charges for colonoscopy, cataracts, eardrum surgery, shoulder or knee surgery, carpal tunnel surgery, removal of tonsils & adenoids, appendectomy, breast biopsy, endoscopy, gallbladder (cholecystectomy), upper GI, heart catheterization and more. Compare hospitals and surgical centers. Typical (median) price in county and statewide Wisconsin median prices shown, but no dates are provided on the consumer site. Must use the healthcare professionals site to see the dates and the number of procedures done at each hospital; 2021 prices are shown. Prices exclude surgeon and other doctors’ fees which may double the numbers you see here

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