[HappyMommaBear]

How do you find out the rate a certain hospital has for cesareans or VBAC? Do I need to call and ask, is it online somewhere? I've seen a lot of posts where women gave their hospital's rate, and I haven't been able to find a current one for the hospital DS was born in. Just curious

 

[AlexisT]

State health departments collect the statistics. There really isn't a centralized source, but if you post the state you're looking for, someone might have them.

They can be a little out of date, though. For example, NYS only has 2006 stats released, PA is up to 2007 (as good as can be expected--no one will have 2008 compiled) and MA only has 2004!

Your hospital would also collect the stats and might give you them if you asked but I've heard of hospitals being a PITA about it.

 

[murphysaangel]

I think it depends on the state you're in. The Maternity Information Act is in effect for some, like NY, and even then the hospital couldn't produce the pamphlet when I asked for it. They said the information is on their website but I'll be dammed if I can find it!

You could look at the CDC website, maybe they have those stats collected?

 

[meganmarie]

My first step would be to call the hospital. They should tell you, although they may try to refuse. I wouldn't give up on the 1st try. I'd probably try someone in patient education/whoever does the childbirth classes there.
Your local ICAN chapter may know where to direct you.
People on "finding your tribe" may also have an idea. (There are sometimes oddball sources like, in NJ, they are posted on a local newspaper website).
I heard that the Coalition for Improving Maternity Services is trying to collect and publish statistics for every state.

 

[dlm194]

I contacted our Center for Health Statistics and got all the 2008 rates already.

Honestly - I doubt most hospitals even know their own rates (accurately)! But it doesn't hurt to ask. I'm just not sure that I would totally trust their answer.

 

[meatloafkend]

I was going to say the same thing (I doubt the hospital would know their own rate). It sound like the center for health statistics is the way to go.

 

[osburnsa]

You might also try your insurance company. We're insured with Aetna and they have a function on their website where you can compare hospitals' outcomes on various procedures. I found my local hospitals' c-section rates that way. I was astounded by them, BTW. I just assumed that my town's rates were in line with the rest of the country, but was downright shocked that every hospital (except the county hospital which has a midwife-centered program) has rates between 40-50%!! So it's definitely worth your while to look it up.

ETA: I was also able to get the VBAC stats, mortality rates, uterine rupture rates and episiotomy rates with this function.

 

[rainashine]

Quote:

Originally Posted by osburnsa You might also try your insurance company. We're insured with Aetna and they have a function on their website where you can compare hospitals' outcomes on various procedures. I found my local hospitals' c-section rates that way. I was astounded by them, BTW. I just assumed that my town's rates were in line with the rest of the country, but was downright shocked that every hospital (except the county hospital which has a midwife-centered program) has rates between 40-50%!! So it's definitely worth your while to look it up. ETA: I was also able to get the VBAC stats, mortality rates, uterine rupture rates and episiotomy rates with this function.

Where is that on their site? I have Aetna too and that would be so helpful!

 

[rixafreeze]

ICAN has a database of the VBAC policies of nearly every hospital in the US. Occasionally the database will list the VBAC rate (but not usually). Really the best thing to do is call the hospital's L&D and ask to speak to the head nurse.