CMS launches 'dry run' test of overall hospital quality star ratings

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services today launched a “dry run” test of its proposed star rating system for overall hospital-level quality. The test, which runs through Aug. 17, allows hospitals to ask questions and provide feedback, which may contribute to refinements of the methodology before overall star ratings are posted on the Hospital Compare website next year. Each hospital will receive a Hospital-Specific Report, which includes its star rating results and the measures used to calculate them. CMS encourages hospitals to review their results and email their questions and comments to cmsstarratings@lantanagroup.com. For more on the dry run, including links to a mock report and HSR User Guide, visit www.qualitynet.org. In initial comments on the proposal, AHA urged CMS to exercise considerable care in developing its overall approach to star ratings. In April, CMS posted star ratings for hospital performance on patient experience of care measures.