Pneumonia

Last Updated: June 2009 Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. These indicators apply to pneumonia that started prior to hospital admission. Although children also can develop pneumonia, current nationally endorsed indicators apply only to persons age 18 and older. These indicators examine the initital care of pneumonia patients.
The Top Decile represents the top 10% of hospitals nationwide (highest scoring).
Oxygenation AssessmentPneumonia patients who had a test to evaluate the oxygen level in their blood within 24 hours prior to or after arrival at the hospital

Pneumococcal VaccinationPneumonia patients, age 65 and older, who were screened for pneumococcal vaccine status and were administered the vaccine prior to discharge, if indicated

Blood Culture before 1st AntibioticPneumonia patients transferred or admitted to the ICU within 24 hours of hospital arrival, who had blood cultures performed prior to first antibiotic administration

Smoking CessationPneumonia patients with a history of smoking cigarettes, who are given smoking cessation advice or counseling during hospital stay. For purposes of this measure, a smoker is defined as someone who has smoked cigarettes anytime during the year prior to admission

Antibiotic within 6 HoursPneumonia patients who received their initial dose of an antibiotic within 6 hours of hospital arrival

Antibiotic SelectionPneumonia patients with a healthy immune system who receive an initial antibiotic regimen during the first 24 hours

Influenza VaccinationPneumonia patients age 50 years and older, hospitalized during October through March who were screened for influenza vaccine status and were vaccinated prior to discharge, if indicated

* Independent sources of information on healthcare provider quality:

Pennsylvania Hospital Quality Alliance (www.phcqa.org)
Pennsylvania Healthcare Cost Containment Council (www.phc4.org)
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (www.hospitalcompare.hhs.gov)