Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection in one or both lungs caused by bacteria. Every year, there are approximately three million cases of pneumonia in the U.S. and over 500,000 of these cases are admitted to hospitals.

The goal of treating pneumonia is to ensure patients with the diagnosis are receiving the most effective antibiotics at the earliest possible stage. Another goal is prevention, ensuring that individuals over 65 years of age receive the pneumonia vaccine to decrease the likelihood that they will develop this condition.

Pneumonia Vaccination Given

What this means: This is a measure that shows how well the hospital has documented that pneumonia patients over the age of 65 years have been screened for receiving the vaccination.

Why this is important: Scientific evidence has shown that people over 65 years are more at risk for pneumonia.

 

 

Initial Antibiotic Within Six Hours

What this means: This measure shows the percentage of pneumonia patients who were given an appropriate antibiotic within six hours of arriving at the hospital.

Why this is important: Patients who receive appropriate antibiotics within six hours of their arrival at the hospital have responded well to treatment of community acquired pneumonia.

 

Smoking Cessation Advice/Counseling

What this means: This measure shows how well a hospital documents the education given to heart attack patients regarding smoking cessation.

Why this is important: Smoking is known to cause damage to the heart, the lungs and the circulatory system.  Smoking makes heart disease worse and can significantly increase the risk of developing pneumonia and other respiratory conditions. 

 

Data collected by Hospital Compare