Healthgrades released a first-of-its-kind Risk IQ Tool for certain common procedures.
The tool allows consumers to assess their personal risk as it relates to six common surgical procedures — total knee replacement, hip replacement, pacemaker procedures, coronary artery bypass graft surgery, hysterectomy and bariatric surgery. It then guides them as they select a hospital and physician for their procedure.
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A recent Healthgrades report showed that from 2013 to 2015, patients treated at hospitals receiving a five-star rating for a procedure or condition had, on average, a 71 percent lower risk of dying and a 65 percent lower risk of experiencing one or more complications during a hospital stay than if they were treated at a one-star rated hospital for that procedure.
"The Healthgrades analysis unequivocally shows that consumers need to educate themselves before any surgery and get the facts on their personal risk in order to improve the likelihood of a positive outcome," said Evan Marks, chief strategy officer, Healthgrades in a statement. "Consumers can use the Healthgrades Risk IQ tool and subsequent findings to become more informed and make smarter decisions about where to receive care."