On April 1, 2009, the Office for Oregon Health Policy and Research released the 2007 Hospital Quality Indicators, which is the state's fourth annual web-based report on volume and death rates in hospitals for selected procedures and medical conditions.

Inpatient death rates have improved statewide for congestive heart failure and heart attacks since 2005. Additional indicators show promising trends, but the quality of care provided by Oregon hospitals for the other 9 procedures and medical conditions measured remains statistically unchanged from 2005. The only hospital to have better quality of care in 2007 compared to the statewide average was Oregon Health and Science University for stroke care.

Oregon Governor Kulongoski praised the fourth annual report, and said it reflects his commitment to improving the quality of health care Oregonians receive and making health care more affordable.

"Part of a comprehensive approach to health care reform includes improving the quality of care delivered in the doctor's office. Oregonians want, and deserve to know, that they are getting good, effective care for their money," Governor Kulongoski said. "Through this continued effort to collect data on medical care outcomes and associated costs, Oregon patients and providers can make more informed health care decisions."

In addition, the Office for Oregon Health Policy and Research and the Oregon Insurance Division have published the cost of common inpatient procedures and conditions for Oregon hospitals since 2007. The information can be accessed by clicking the link below. Paired with the inpatient quality indicators, patients, providers and policy makers have better information for make informed decisions and further the Governor's agenda to increase the transparency of healthcare through public reporting.