Risk stratification is a statistical process by which quality of care can be assessed independently of patient case mix. The evaluation of risk-adjusted patient outcome has become an important part of managed care contracting in some markets, and risk-adjusted outcome rates for hospitals are being reported more frequently in the popular press and on the Internet. This book, written by a statistician and two surgeons for a clinical audience, is a practical guide to the process of risk stratification and does not require or assume an extensive mathematical background. It describes the rationale...