Health Department Cites Lower Infection Rates

DENVER (AP) -- The Colorado health department says a new study shows lower infection rates when compared to hospitals nationwide.

According to the report, Colorado healthcare facilities had 40 percent fewer infections associated with heart procedures, 37 percent fewer infections associated with hernia procedures and 7 percent fewer infections associated with all reportable procedures.

The report is the first bulletin under a new Colorado law that compares Colorado data to national data and tracks how Colorado hospitals and surgical centers compare to healthcare facilities across the nation.

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