Late last month, CMS released 30-day risk-adjusted mortality rates for AMI, heart failure and pneumonia on its Hospital Compare Web site. The findings include data on every U.S. hospital. It’s the first time hospital mortality information has been made available to patients, and is a fundamental step to evaluating and improving the quality of CV care.

CMS accounts for patient deaths within 30 days of hospital admission, for any cause and regardless of whether the death occurs at the hospital or after discharge. The mortality rates are adjusted to reflect the characteristics of the hospital and the health of its patients. The results of CMS’ statistical analysis are available in an interactive map, courtesy of USA Today.

It’s important for physicians and hospitals to review CMS’ findings, examine how well they rank compared with other hospitals and then constantly strive for improvement. ACC members have a particular advantage in improving their mortality rates, given the wide range of tools and resources available through the College.

The risk-adjustment methodologies used to render these comparisons fair are not perfect. But there is a genuine effort to make the numbers relevant.