Uniform standards do not apply to readmission following coronary artery bypass surgery: a multi-institutional study.

Objectives: Reducing hospital readmissions is a national priority, with coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery slated for upcoming reimbursement decisions. Clear understanding of the elements associated with readmissions is essential for developing a coherent prevention strategy. Patterns of readmission vary considerably based on diagnosis.

Quality, not volume, determines outcome of coronary artery bypass surgery in a university-based community hospital network.

Objectives: The present study examined the relationship between hospital and surgeon coronary artery bypass grafting procedural volume, mortality, morbidity, and National Quality Forum care processes in a university-based community hospital quality improvement program.

Methods: The study population consisted of 2218 consecutive patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting from 2007 to 2009 in a university-based quality improvement program that emphasizes involvement of all surgeons in the academic quality endeavor. The endpoints included operative mortality, major morbidity, and National Quality Forum-endorsed process measures as defined by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons.