An Experienced Hospital
Patients who are looking for successful outcomes should carefully research the experience of both hospital and physician. Studies show that with certain complex medical procedures, patients can reduce their risk of dying by up to 40% if they select a hospital that regularly performs the procedure.
New England Baptist Hospital offers nationally recognized expertise in orthopedic surgery, built on more than a century of experience, with an exceptional blend of superb patient care and advanced medical knowledge. The site of one of the first artificial hip replacements in the country, our hospital continues to lead the way in new methods to diagnose and treat all forms of musculoskeletal disorders and disease.
Last year, our orthopedic surgeons performed 7,000 procedures, including more than 3,700 hip and knee replacements, and nearly 700 spinal fusion surgeries. We perform more complex orthopedic procedures than any other hospital in Massachusetts.
We have been recognized by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) as one of the top 10 hospitals nationally for knee and hip orthopedics. We have also been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top orthopedic hospital. We are the official Hospital of the World-Champion Boston Celtics, and have provided services to U.S. Olympic teams, elite athletic associations and individual elite athletes.
Experienced Physicians
Physician experience is also a critical factor. One of the most important questions to ask your physician is, "how many times in the past year have you performed this procedure?" Board certification can also be a helpful indicator of a physician's experience. At New England Baptist Hospital, many of our physicians, radiologists and rehabilitation specialists are board-certified or board-eligible. To find out more about your doctor, click here to access the Massachusetts Board of Registration On-Line Physician Profile Site.
Research
The number and quality of the research studies conducted at a particular hospital can be another indicator of the quality and safety of the care provided. Hospitals that conduct research and provide teaching opportunities for residents are more likely to be on the cutting-edge of care and treatment.
Key questions to ask about the research program are:
- Is the hospital a teaching hospital?
- How many research studies are being performed at the hospital?
New England Baptist Hospital is a teaching affiliate of Tufts University School of Medicine and conducts teaching programs in collaboration with the Harvard School of Public Health and the Harvard School of Medicine. Currently, 90 research studies are underway at the Hospital.
Certification
Is the hospital certified by The Joint Commission?
The Hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission.
For Further Research
The Joint Commission http://www.jointcommission.org/
The Leapfrog Group www.leapfroggroup.org
The Institute for Healthcare Improvement www.ihi.org
HHS Hospital Compare http://www.hospitalcompare.hhs.gov/hospital/home2.asp
Patients First www.patientsfirstma.org.