Despite cost and risk, ORYX PLUS offers benchmarking bonanza

The Joint Commission's ORYX-PLUS option offers standardized measurement, risk adjustment, and reporting of outcomes not available in the less comprehensive ORYX program. This should create a wealth of truly comparable data against which to benchmark. There are additional costs: $2,500 to the Joint Commission, plus more expensive software and maintenance. This means the program is probably best suited for those systems that already have significant investments in information systems. As ORYX-PLUS eventually will issue performance report cards to the public on participants, there are the risks associated with disclosure. On the other hand, participating hospitals will be able to boast participation in a voluntary disclosure program aimed at excellence.