Berkshire Medical Center Cited for Excelling in Critical-care and Vascular Outcomes

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Medical Center is five-star rated for carotid procedures, respiratory failure and treatment of sepsis, according to new research released by Healthgrades, a leading resource that connects consumers, physicians, and health systems. Every year, Healthgrades evaluates hospital performance at nearly 4,500 hospitals nationwide for 31 of the most common inpatient procedures and conditions.

This analysis shows that patients treated at hospitals receiving a five-star rating have a lower risk of mortality and a lower risk of experiencing one or more complications during a hospital stay than if they were treated at hospitals receiving a one-star rating in that procedure or condition. From 2018 through 2020, if all hospitals as a group performed similarly to hospitals receiving five stars as a group, on average, 218,141 lives could potentially have been saved, and complications in 156,050 patients could potentially have been avoided.

Additionally, from 2018-20, patients treated for respiratory failure in hospitals with five stars for in-hospital mortality have, on average, 50% lower risk of dying than if they were treated in hospitals with one star for in-house mortality. Similarly, patients treated for sepsis in hospitals with one star for in-hospital mortality are, on average, 1.6 times more likely to die than if they were treated in hospitals with five stars for in-hospital mortality.

Furthermore, patients having carotid procedures in hospitals with five stars have, on average, 64% lower risk of experiencing a complication while in the hospital than if they were treated by hospitals with one star.

“Consumers are increasingly becoming aware of the differences of care provided by different hospitals. Consumers can feel confident that hospitals receiving a Healthgrades five-star rating have demonstrated exceptional outcomes and their ability to provide quality care,” said Dr. Brad Bowman, chief medical officer and head of Data Science at Healthgrades.

Dr. James Lederer, chief medical officer/chief quality officer for Berkshire Health Systems, added that “our team of providers is committed to the highest level of care, and these recognitions by Healthgrades validate that commitment on a daily basis. Our community can be confident that our physicians, nurses, technologists, pharmacists, and all of our staff are singularly focused on providing the highest-quality care for each individual who comes through our doors.”