Twelve Florida hospitals had outcomes significantly better than average on results for hip and knee replacement operations in the past three years, according to Medicare data published on the Hospital Compare website.
Three of them scored significantly better than average on both the rates of complications and re-admissions, the two categories analyzed. They are Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center in Davenport, Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale and Ocala Regional Medical Center.
Five Florida hospitals had outcomes significantly worse than average on one or the other, but none did worse on both.
The analysis placed the overwhelming majority of hospitals in the "average" category.
Those that rated significantly better on re-admissions -- showing up back in the hospital within 30 days of discharge following joint replacement -- were Blake Medical Center in Bradenton, Boca Raton Regional, Heart of Florida, Holy Cross and Ocala Regional.
Ten rated significantly better on the rate of complications. In addition to Heart of Florida, Holy Cross and Ocala, they were: Delray Medical Center, Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center in Daytona Beach, Indian River Medical Center in Vero Beach, Jupiter Medical Center, Sacred Heart in Pensacola, St. Vincent's in Pensacola, and Tampa General.
Four Florida hospitals were rated significantly worse than average for re-admissions: Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg, Leesburg Regional, Orlando Health and St. Joseph's in Tampa.
On complication rates, only one -- South Lake Hospital in Clermont -- was rated significantly worse than average.
This is about more than bragging rights. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have changed the payment system to reward hospitals that do better than average and punish those that don't.
For more information on the program and ratings, see Kaiser Health News.
