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Just a week after being recognized nationally by U.S. News & World Report for orthopedics care for the ninth time, Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH) also stands out among Pennsylvania’s best in the latest Common Procedures report for orthopedics published Wednesday by the Pennsylvania Health Care Containment Council (PHC4).
According to the report, LVH performed significantly more knee and hip replacements and spinal fusions than any other facility in the region. PHC4 also reported fewer than expected complications for knee replacement procedures among more than 1,100 cases at LVH for fiscal year (FY) 2018. In addition, complication rates and post-surgery length of stay for hip replacements and spinal fusions were ‘not significantly different than expected,’ according to PHC4.
Forty-four percent of almost 6,000 knee and hip replacements and spinal fusions performed in the Lehigh Valley in FY 2018 were performed at LVHN.
“We are a data-driven society more than at any time in our history,” said Brian Leader, Lehigh Valley Health Network’s (LVHN) Vice President for Orthopedics. “Nowhere is data and analytics more important than in health care where someone’s life or quality of life is in the balance. These two reports from U.S. News and PHC4 confirm that we are providing the highest quality orthopedic care to our community at a more than competitive cost helping us to achieve the Triple Aim—better health, better care at a better cost.”
Leader noted expansion of the health network’s orthopedics program to improve access including LVHN–Tilghman, the region’s only campus dedicated to orthopedics, and the opening of LVHN–Hausman Road at 798 Hausman Rd. in Allentown earlier this year, a new outpatient model combining multiple musculoskeletal disciplines under one roof to better coordinate care for patients with joint and spinal issues.
Orthopedic care at LVHN has been singled out by others as well. LVH is distinguished as a Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Highmark Blue Shield Blue Distinction Center+ for knee and hip replacement. Blue Distinction Centers are hospitals recognized for their expertise and efficiency in delivering specialty care.
Aetna recognized LVH with an Institute of Quality designation for orthopedics. The honor is awarded to health care facilities according to clinical performance, access and efficiency for orthopedic care. It’s judged on number of procedures, physician experience and adherence to evidenced-based and recognized standards for clinical outcomes.
LVH also made the Becker’s Hospital Review 2019 list of “100 Hospitals With Great Orthopedic programs.” Becker’s Hospital Review’s editorial team selected LVHN based on clinical accolades, quality care and contributions to the field of orthopedics.