Getting reliability data about the hospitals you’re considering for your care can help you choose better and avoid unnecessary risks.
Lumbar decompression and fusion is a spine surgery focused on reducing pain and getting you back to the activities you love. But not all hospitals achieve the same results. Some are more reliable than others. With the help of the HSS Hospital Reliability Scorecard, you can make sure you're asking the critical questions to find the hospital that's right for you. Understanding the data points below will help you make the best decision for your care. Learn why we chose these factors.
An orthopedic spine surgery to relieve lower back pain, leg pain and/or other symptoms by permanently conjoining two or more vertebrae to realign or eliminate movement between them.
Takes place in a hospital.
Ranges from less than one day to several days, depending on the complexity of the procedure and your overall health.
"Early-onset Parkinson's, a large spinal synovial cyst and severe stenosis necessitated lumbar fusion surgery. I am six months post-surgery and it has been a complete and total success."
Success Rate at HSS
Out of 30 responses, 68% response rate.
Source: HSS Internal Data, 2022
Patient Experience at HSS
Source: CMS Care Compare, Feb 2025 Release.
Complications at HSS
Represents hospital-wide care. Lower is better.
Source: FAIR Health, July 2021 – December 2022.
Testimonial
Prior to the surgery, I could not even sit on my own couch. Now I can sit anywhere! I can go on vacation and go see my children at college without pain!
Laura, Lumbar Decompression and Fusion
Avoidable Hospital Visits at HSS
Represents hospital-wide care. Lower is better.
Source: FAIR Health, July 2021 – December 2022.
Procedure Volume at HSS
Source: HSS Internal Data, 2022. Includes single level lumbar decompression with or without fusion.
How much do endorsements from third parties really matter? The answer all depends on who’s doing the endorsing. Several groups of independent experts have dug deeper and found U.S. News & World Report to be the most credible of the various hospital rating systems.
The Hospital Reliability Scorecard highlights valuable data to consider before you schedule your procedure. Our helpful worksheet makes it easy to compare different hospitals.
Ready to speak with an HSS specialist? Book online or call us directly at 877.606.1555.
