Analyzing Length of Stay for Hip Replacement Patients in New York State

In this case study, I analyzed a dataset from Kaggle to uncover insights into hospital efficiency by examining length of stay and costs associated with hip replacement surgeries across New York State in 2016.

The average length of stay (LOS) is 2.65 days and the average cost per discharge is $21,000.

Moderate illness severity and minor risk of mortality had the highest number of discharges. Osteoarthritis was the most common diagnosis, and 55% of discharges were to home with health services.

"Hospital for Special Surgery" had the highest discharges, while Syosset Hospital had the highest average LOS. Kings County Hospital Center had an exceptionally high LOS.

NYU Lutheran Medical Center had the highest cost per discharge but a lower LOS, showing no clear correlation between LOS and cost.

Recommendations

  • Enhancing Discharge Planning: Optimize processes for patients moving to skilled nursing facilities or home with health services to shorten LOS.
  • High-Risk Factors: Implement targeted care strategies for patients with extreme illness severity and high mortality risk to mitigate longer LOS and related costs.