Surgical groups rated by Consumer Reports

In Consumer Reports, alongside toasters, oven and cars, medical groups that perform heart bypass surgery are now being rated.

Data-based ratings of doctors are not available to patients in most parts of the country, data-based except a few states like New York.

From 42 states, ratings of 221 surgical groups were published but it should be noted that individual doctors are not rated.

Based on complication and survival rates, one, two or three stars are given to the groups. These starts mean below average, average or above average. It is also taken into consideration while giving the ratings that whether the groups used the best surgical technique and whether patients were being sent home with certain medicines.

The information that will be available in October is now available to those who buy the magazine or subscribed to Consumer Reports online.

Dr Fred H. Edwards, the chairman of quality and research for the society, and medical director for cardiothoracic surgery at the University of Florida in Jacksonville said, “Within a few months, the ratings should be posted and freely available to the public at the Web site of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons.”