Deaconess delivers superior patient outcomes in Critical Care, Pulmonary Care  and Stroke Care, according to Healthgrades
 
TRI-STATE – Deaconess ranks first in Indiana for Critical Care, Pulmonary Care and Stroke Care, according to a new analysis released by Healthgrades, the leading resource that connects consumers, physicians, and health systems. Among the national list of top-ranked hospitals in each state, Deaconess was one of only four hospitals in the entire U.S. to be ranked first in their state in three separate specialty areas.
 
Additionally, Deaconess ranks in the top five in Indiana for Joint Replacement, and has been named among America’s 250 Best Hospitals for three years in a row. For the State Ranking analysis, Healthgrades evaluated clinical performance for nearly 4,500 hospitals nationwide focusing on eight key specialties across a mix of chronic, urgent, and planned clinical areas. 
 
“Deaconess physicians, clinical staff and employees throughout the organization continue to demonstrate their unwavering commitment to quality patient care no matter the challenges they face,” said Shawn McCoy, CEO, Deaconess Health System. “To be recognized as the best in the state in the two specialties who cared for the most seriously ill COVID-19 patients is a testament to their determination to save the lives of patients in our community, as well as those transferred to our care from throughout the Midwest.”
 
“Our Primary Stroke Centers have also demonstrated consistent excellence, ranking as one of the top 100 Stroke Care programs in the nation for the past three years,” said McCoy. “Due to their skill and expertise, stroke patients’ lives have been saved, and outcomes and quality of life for many stroke survivors have been significantly improved.”    
 
Hospitals recognized as among the Top Ranked in their state by Healthgrades are providing patients with measurably superior clinical outcomes. From 2018-2020, patients treated at hospitals receiving state rankings in these specialties have had the following improved outcomes:

• Stroke patients have a 38.4% lower risk of dying than if treated in hospitals that were not state ranked for Stroke Care.
• Patients receiving pulmonary care have a 51.1% lower risk of dying than if treated in hospitals that were not state ranked for Pulmonary Care.
• Critical care patients have a 27.5% lower risk of dying than if they were treated in hospitals that were not state ranked for Critical Care.
• Patients receiving joint replacement surgery have a 60.8% lower risk of experiencing a complication while in the hospital than if they were treated in hospitals that were not state ranked for Joint Replacement.

 
According to Healthgrades, access to quality information can inform and empower consumers in their decision making process, and direct them to the best care. This is why Healthgrades states their commitment to delivering the most scientifically accurate and comprehensive information about doctors and hospitals with exclusive data insights.
 
"Being ranked #1 in Indiana for Critical Care, Pulmonary Care and Stroke Care is a testament to Deaconess’ continued commitment to top quality care. Hospitals receiving a #1 ranking in their state have much to be proud of as their deep medical expertise has built a track record of delivering positive outcomes for their patients," said Brad Bowman, MD, Chief Medical Officer and Head of Data Science, Healthgrades. Bowman added, “For almost 25 years, our mission has been to provide consumers with clear and accessible information to make more informed healthcare decisions. Patients can feel confident knowing that they have access to #1 ranked care at Deaconess.”
 
Earlier this year, Deaconess was also recognized by Healthgrades with clinical achievements in other key specialties, including being ranked nationally as among America’s Best Hospitals following categories: America’s 50 Best Vascular Surgery (past 3 years), America’s 100 Best Critical Care (past 3 years), America’s 100 Best Gastrointestinal Care (past 2 years), America’s 100 Best Pulmonary Care (past 3 years), and America’s 100 Best Stroke Care (past 3 years).  Deaconess also received the Gastrointestinal Excellence Award, Joint Replacement Excellence Award, and Neurosciences Excellence Award. 

Consumers can visit healthgrades.com for more information on how Healthgrades measures hospital quality and access the complete methodology here.  
For the State Ranking analysis, Healthgrades evaluated Medicare inpatient records for nearly 4,500 short-term acute care hospitals nationwide to assess hospital performance. Each of the eight specialties considered for state ranking have eligibility requirements specific to the nature and intent of the achievement that are aligned with requirements for Specialty Excellence Awards in those areas. State Rankings may reference a singular cohort (e.g. Stroke Care) or require the combination of a grouping of cohorts (e.g. Critical Care).  For each hospital, Healthgrades assigns an overall score for each specialty area based on hospital performance as determined by z-score or average of volume-weighted z-scores when more than one condition or procedure is included in the award. The strength of a hospital's single z-score or average of volume-weighted z-scores, is the key driver in ranking determination. Additionally, hospital eligibility for State Ranking awards requires a hospital receive a rating in the cohort(s) included in the determination of the award, no 1-Star ratings in the cohort(s) included in the determination of the award, and at least one 5-Star rating in a cohort included in the determination of the award.

ABOUT DEACONESS HEALTH SYSTEM: Deaconess Health System is the premiere provider of health care services to 35 counties in southwestern Indiana, western Kentucky and southeastern Illinois. The system – based in Evansville, Indiana – includes eleven hospitals: Deaconess Midtown Hospital, Deaconess Gateway Hospital, Deaconess Henderson Hospital, Deaconess Union County Hospital, Deaconess Gibson Hospital, The Heart Hospital, The Women’s Hospital, The Orthopedic and Neuroscience Hospital, Deaconess Cross Pointe, Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville, and Encompass Health Deaconess Rehabilitation Hospital. Deaconess Clinic, a fully integrated multispecialty group featuring primary care physicians as well as top specialty doctors, provides patients with consistent and convenient care. Additional components include the Linda E. White Hospice House, a freestanding cancer center, urgent care facilities, nearsite clinics, telemedicine, virtual visits, a network of preferred hospitals and doctors, and multiple partnerships with other regional health care providers. *Statistics are based on Healthgrades analysis of MedPAR data for years 2018 through 2020 and represent three-year estimates for Medicare patients only. To view the complete methodology, please visit: https://www.healthgrades.com/quality/healthgrades-specialty-state-rankings-methodology