Recommended VTE Prophylaxis Ordered

Certain surgeries increase the risk that the patient will develop a blood clot (venous thromboembolism). When patients stay still for a long time after some types of surgery, they are more likely to develop a blood clot in the veins of the legs, thighs, or pelvis. A blood clot slows down the flow of blood, causing swelling, redness, and pain. A blood clot can also break off and travel to other parts of the body. If the blood clot gets into the lung, it is a serious problem that can cause death.

To help prevent blood clots from forming after surgery, doctors can order treatments to be used just before or after the surgery. These include blood-thinning medications, elastic support stockings, or mechanical air stockings that help with blood flow in the legs.

At SBUH, 99% of a sample of 164 eligible surgical patients received the recommended VTE Prophylaxis that was ordered for them.

A high score is better than a low score.

	The SBUH 2008-2009 score is for the period October 2008 to September 2009. The SBUH 2009-2010 score is for the period October 2009 to September 2010.
	The New York State average score summarizes the average of health care organizations throughout New York State reporting to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for the period October 2009 to September 2010.
	The U.S. average score summarizes the average of health care organizations throughout the United States reporting to CMS for the period October 2009 to September 2010.
	Top 10% score summarizes results from the best 10% of health care organizations reporting to CMS for the period October 2009 to September 2010.

See our results over time

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