Low birth weight (< 2,500 grams) infants per 1,000 newborns. Excludes transfers from other institutions.
[NOTE: The software provides the rate per newborn. However, common practice reports the measure as per 1,000 newborns. The user must multiply the rate obtained from the software by 1,000 to report admissions per 1,000 newborns.]
[NOTE: This indicator can be calculated in SAS QI Software Version 4.5 using either the PDI Module or the PQI #9 Standalone Module.]
Measure Specs
General Information
Numerator
Number of newborns, among cases meeting the inclusion and exclusion rules for the denominator, with any-listed ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes for birth weight less than 2,500 grams.
Denominator
Number of newborns in metropolitan area† or county. Newborns in the numerator are assigned to the denominator based on the metropolitan area or county of the patient residence, not the metropolitan area or county of the hospital where the discharge occurred.
See Prevention Quality Indicators Appendices:
• Appendix D – Definitions of Neonate, Newborn, Normal Newborn, and Outborn
† The term “metropolitan area” (MA) was adopted by the U.S. Census in 1990 and referred collectively to metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs), consolidated metropolitan statistical areas (CMSAs) and primary metropolitan statistical areas (PMSAs). In addition, “area” could refer to either 1) FIPS county, 2) modified FIPS county, 3) 1999 OMB Metropolitan Statistical Area or 4) 2003 OMB Metropolitan Statistical Area. Micropolitan Statistical Areas are not used in the QI software.
Exclusions
None
Public Comments