Circ Cardiovasc Qual
-
Circ Cardiovasc Qual · May 2012
Outcomes for mitral valve surgery among Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries, 1999 to 2008.
Mitral valve surgery in older adults carries with it substantial morbidity and mortality risks, yet there are a paucity of national surveillance data. Therefore, we sought to determine trends in hospitalization rate, readmission, and mortality among Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) patients undergoing mitral valve surgery. ⋯ Between 1999 and 2008, outcomes after isolated mitral valve surgery significantly improved among Medicare FFS patients. Disparities among demographic subgroups indicate potential areas for quality improvement.