Quality Measures
The hospital quality measures on this website show recommended care for some of the most common and costly conditions that hospitals treat. Research has shown that these treatments provide the best results for most adults with those conditions and are an important part of the patients' overall care.
Hospitals, doctors, scientists, and other health care professionals agree that these quality measures give a good snapshot of how well hospitals provide these specific types of care. Hospitals should try to give all of their patients the recommended care when it is appropriate. The goal for each measure is 100 percent.
A hospital’s quality is more than just its scores on these measures. Hospitals provide care for other illnesses and conditions for which measures are still under development. A hospital should be able to tell you what steps it is taking to improve its care. The information you will find on this website is intended to help you start a conversation with your physician or hospital about how you can best get the care you need.
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
Left Ventricular Function Assessment
Why is this important?
The proper treatment for heart failure depends on what area of your heart is affected. An important test is to check how your heart is pumping, called "the left ventricular function assessment." It can tell your health care provider whether the left side of your heart is pumping properly.
Other ways to check on how your heart is pumping include:
1. your medical history
2. a physical examination
3. listening to your heart sounds
4. other tests as ordered by a physician (like an ECG (electrocardiogram), chest x-ray, blood work, and an echocardiogram)
Higher percentages are better.
For more information about heart failure care, click here.
Discharge Instructions
Why is this important?
Heart failure is a chronic condition. It results in symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, and fatigue. Before you leave the hospital, the staff at the hospital should provide you with information to help you manage the symptoms after you get home.
The information should include your:
1. activity level (what you can and can't do)
2. diet (what you should, and shouldn't eat or drink)
3. medications
4. follow-up appointment
5. watching your daily weight
6. what to do if your symptoms get worse
Higher percentages are better.
For more information about heart failure care, click here.
ACEI or ARBs for Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction
Why is this important?
ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors and ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers) are medicines used to treat heart attacks, high blood pressure, and heart failure. They are also frequently prescribed for a condition called 'left ventricular systolic dysfunction', which is a decreased function of the left part of your heart. ACEI or ARBs can help reduce the risk of death from a heart attack if taken within 24 hours of the first symptoms of a heart attack. Continued use may help prevent heart failure. These drugs work by stopping the production of a hormone that can narrow your blood vessels. This helps reduce the pressure in your heart, lowering your blood pressure.
Higher percentages are better.
For more information about heart failure care, click here.
Smoking Cessation Counseling
Why is this important?
Smoking increases your risk for developing blood clots and heart disease, which can result in a heart attack, heart failure or stroke. Smoking causes your blood vessels to thicken. Fat and plaque then stick to the wall of your blood vessels, which makes it harder for blood to flow. Reduced blood flow to your heart may result in chest pain, high blood pressure, and an increased heart rate. Smoking is linked to lung disease and cancer, and can cause premature death. It is important for your health that you get information to help you quit smoking before you leave the hospital.
Higher percentages are better.
For more information about heart failure care, click here.
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Be careful when drawing conclusions from this information.
- Small numbers of patients may distort reported performance.
- Patients must meet specific national medical criteria to be in this report.
Talk to your health care provider if you have questions about your treatment.
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