Hospitals get time to preview star ratings, CMS says
However, overall hospital quality star ratings will not include Patient Safety Indicator results for fiscal year 2018 due to a software issue.
Through May 5, hospitals participating in hospital quality reporting programs can preview their overall hospital quality star rating, and other quality data, that will be added to the Hospital Compare website in July.
The inpatient preview reports, hospital-specific reports and overall hospital quality star ratings will not include Patient Safety Indicator results for fiscal year 2018 due to a PSI software issue, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Because of that, the overall hospital quality star rating for July will be updated using fiscal year 2017 PSI results. CMS anticipates that updated fiscal year 2018 PSI results will be available for the October preview period, and incorporated into the October 2017 public release of star ratings.
[Also: CMS hospital overall star ratings methodology flawed, Health Affairs says]
The Hospital Compare ratings are based on patient answers to Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems surveys, which they receive after any hospital stays. Through series of questions about care and service, the surveys help CMS form a picture of the experience patients receive at these facilities by coming up with a summary star rating based on the answers.
The ratings are based on results tied to 64 measures that gauge care, readmissions, patient safety, financial management and imaging, among others.
To access the hospital-specific overall star rating and inpatient and outpatient preview reports, hospitals can visit the QualityNet Secure Portal.
Twitter: @JELagasse
