CMS to use current methodology to update hospital star ratings in 2020

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services plans to update the overall hospital quality star ratings at Hospital Compare in early 2020, but wait until 2021 to update the star ratings methodology, the agency announced today. CMS last updated the star ratings in February, when it also requested comments on proposed future changes to the methodology in response to stakeholder feedback. CMS today released a summary of comments received, and will hold a public listening session Sept. 19 to receive additional input on potential changes to the methodology. 

“The AHA is disappointed that CMS intends to continue using a hospital star ratings approach plagued by longstanding concerns about its accuracy and meaningfulness,” said Ashley Thompson, AHA senior vice president for public policy analysis and development. “While we appreciate that CMS is working on potential improvements to the rating methodology, we strongly believe CMS should not refresh the ratings until those improvements have been vetted and are ready for implementation. Republishing the flawed ratings in 2020 will not advance the goal of providing the public with accurate, purposeful information about quality.”