Volumes and Outcomes

A hospital’s volume and experience — the number of patients a hospital diagnoses and treats — is a factor in the results of that hospital’s care. So, patient volume is one of the key factors you should consider when selecting a hospital, especially for certain high-risk procedures.

Studies over the last 20 years have shown that hospital and physician volume for certain procedures has a direct link to patient outcomes. In other words, in general, the more experience a hospital or physician has, the better the outcome.

According to Academy Health, an organization of health services researchers and health policy analysts:

The volume-outcome relationship is the likely result of a complicated causal chain of events linking high-volume to better patient outcomes. Some people believe that experience (i.e., “practice makes perfect”) accounts for the volume-outcome effect. Others contend that hospitals achieve a high volume of patient referrals because they have a reputation for outstanding quality. It is more likely, however, that the volume-outcome relationship is due to system-wide factors. Physician skill, well-organized clinical teams, use of practice guidelines, availability of technologically sophisticated equipment, and the skills and abilities of auxiliary medical personnel combine to produce positive results.

Volumes at Strong

To help you compare Strong’s volume with that of other providers, here is volume information for surgical procedures at Strong, based on New York State Department of Health data for the 12-month period ending in September 30, 2006.

Procedure Inpatient Outpatient
Miscellaneous diagnostic and therapeutic procedures 15,606 9,184
Operations on the cardiovascular system 18,953 5,282
Obstetrical procedures 7,427 33
Operations on the musculoskeletal system 5,912 4,520
Operations on the digestive system 6,237 2,263
Operations on the skin 2,118 1,604
Operations on the female genital organs 1,519 2,425
Operations on the nose, mouth, and throat 471 4,924
Operations on the urinary system 1,445 2,878
Operations on the nervous system 2,546 537
Operations on the male genital organs 1,711 447
Operations on the eye 136 3,057
Operations on the respiratory system 2,259 501
Operations on the hemic and lymphatic system 1,038 231
Operations on the ear 63 1,147
Operations on the endocrine system 141 52

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Patient Volume

...a key factor in patient outcomes