Researchers analyzed Medicare claims data for six resection surgeries completed between 2005 and 2009. Among the operations, the most common serious treatable complications (occurring in more than 1 percent of cases) were postoperative respiratory failure, postoperative thromboembolism and accidental puncture or laceration.
Sign up for our FREE E-Weekly for more coverage like this sent to your inbox!
While some complications, including postoperative thromboembolism, increased costs by 20 percent, postoperative respiratory failure was the costliest surgical complication, increasing costs more than 50 percent for all operations studied.
The study concluded targeting known common surgical complications for cancer patients undergoing surgery could be an effective way to save money and improve quality.
More Articles on Quality:
7 Ideas for Improving Sepsis Management
15 Statistics on American Views of End-of-Life Care
NIH Launches Pediatric Palliative Care Campaign
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.