Joel Beachkofsky, anesthesiologist in Charlotte, NC

Laparoscopic surgery involves smaller incisions, less scarring, and sometimes less pain than traditional open surgery.

To help you understand how Dr. Beachkofsky’s rate of laparoscopic hernia surgery compares to a typical doctor who performs hernia surgeries:

1. We first measure how many of Dr. Beachkofsky’s hernia surgeries were performed laparoscopically.
2. We then analyze the typical practices of all other doctors in the United States who perform hernia surgeries, using a data-driven model to predict the rate of laparoscopic hernia surgeries for patients like Dr. Beachkofsky’s.

By comparing these two numbers, you can see whether Dr. Beachkofsky’s rate of laparoscopic hernia surgery is lower than, similar to, or higher than predicted.

This prediction adjusts based on the types of patients the doctor sees, so a doctor who treats sicker patients may have a different predicted rate than a doctor who treats healthier patients.