Are Blood Clot Risks Rising in Pennsylvania Hospitals? What the Data Shows

A blood clot in the lung, known medically as a pulmonary embolism, is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. It occurs when a clot (often formed in the legs) travels through the bloodstream and blocks an artery in the lungs.

Because a pulmonary embolism can suddenly disrupt blood flow and oxygen levels, it requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. For many families, the diagnosis can come as a shock. Patients may enter the hospital for another condition or develop symptoms suddenly after surgery, injury, or prolonged immobility. 

Recent statewide hospital data in Pennsylvania offers insight into how patients with this condition are faring.

What Does The State Data Show?

According to the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council’s Hospital Performance Report, statewide data show modest increases in mortality and readmission rates for pulmonary embolism over time. Most Pennsylvania hospitals performed within expected ranges, with only a small number identified as having outcomes significantly above or below expected benchmarks.

From federal fiscal year 2019 to federal fiscal year 2024:

• In-hospital mortality increased from 2.4 percent to 2.9 percent.
• This increase was statistically significant, meaning the change was unlikely to occur by chance.
• Thirty-day readmission rates rose from 11.8 percent to 13.7 percent.
• Pulmonary embolism was among the conditions showing notable increases in readmissions during that period

These figures come from statewide hospital data compiled by the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council. Hospital performance reports such as this are designed to provide transparency and help healthcare providers evaluate where improvements may be needed. By examining statewide trends over time, researchers and policymakers can identify patterns that may not be visible at the hospital level.

What Do The Numbers Mean?

Although the data shows a measurable increase in mortality and readmissions, the report also found that most Pennsylvania hospitals performed within expected mortality ranges. Only a small number of hospitals were flagged as having outcomes that were significantly higher or lower than expected. The rise in mortality and readmissions appears to be a statewide trend rather than a problem limited to a single hospital system. Researchers and healthcare providers continue to examine possible explanations for these changes.

Is Pulmonary Embolism Difficult To Diagnose?

Pulmonary embolisms can sometimes be challenging to diagnose because the symptoms may resemble other medical conditions. Patients may experience:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Rapid heartbeat
• Lightheadedness
• Sudden fatigue

Because the symptoms of pulmonary embolism can mimic several other conditions, doctors often rely on a combination of patient history, physical examination, and diagnostic testing to confirm the diagnosis. Imaging studies, such as CT scans of the lungs, are commonly used to identify clots, while blood tests may help determine whether clotting activity is present in the body.

In some cases, additional tests may be required to determine the severity of the condition and guide treatment decisions. Quick recognition of warning signs and timely testing can play a critical role in improving outcomes for patients.

Why Early Treatment Is So Important

When pulmonary embolism is identified promptly, treatment may include blood-thinning medications that prevent the clot from growing and reduce the risk of additional clots. In more severe cases, doctors may need to use specialized procedures or medications designed to dissolve the clot. Prompt treatment can significantly improve outcomes. Delays in diagnosis or treatment, however, may allow the condition to worsen, even leading to death.

What Should Families Ask?

For families who have lost a loved one to a pulmonary embolism or who have experienced repeated hospitalizations because of the condition, the experience can raise difficult questions.

• Was the clot detected as early as it could have been?
• Were symptoms properly evaluated?
• Was appropriate treatment provided in time?

In many cases, hospitals provide appropriate care, and patients still face serious risks due to the nature of the condition. In other situations, however, a medical error or delay in treatment may contribute to a tragic outcome.

Ross Feller Casey Can Help You And Your Family

When a patient dies from a pulmonary embolism or suffers severe complications after hospitalization, families often want to better understand what happened. Doctors and hospitals may not want to tell you the whole story. A medical malpractice attorney can review medical records, consult with medical experts, and determine whether the care provided met accepted medical standards. 

The attorneys at Ross Feller Casey represent patients and families affected by hospital negligence and diagnostic errors. We have doctors on our team who evaluate cases to determine whether medical malpractice occurred. 

If you believe a loved one’s death from a blood clot may have been preventable, speaking with an experienced attorney may help clarify your legal options. Contact our office to schedule a free appointment with one of our knowledgeable lawyers. We handle all of our cases on a contingency basis. That means you will not pay a thing until we make a financial recovery in your case.