A leader in the quality arena, STS is involved in numerous quality initiatives and activities. The Society has developed quality performance measures in the areas of adult cardiac, general thoracic, and congenital surgery. These measures have either been endorsed or are in the process of being considered for endorsement by the National Quality Forum. STS National Database participants voluntarily elect to have STS send their data from the Adult Cardiac Surgery Database directly to CMS’s Merit-Based Incentive Payment System, thereby avoiding penalties and becoming eligible to receive bonus payments.
The STS National Database, designed as a quality improvement tool, offers participants the opportunity to compare their outcomes against the STS national benchmark. Participants can use this information to identify appropriate areas for improvement.
STS, committed to optimizing patient safety in cardiothoracic surgery, also provides resources (such as surgical checklists) and education that promote leadership and foster teamwork to help surgeons create patient-centered environments and improve their practices.