CMS issues report on overall hospital star ratings methodology, summary results

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has posted a report describing the final methodology for its overall hospital star ratings, and summary results for the first overall star ratings to be added to the Hospital Compare website in April. Hospitals participating in the inpatient and outpatient quality reporting programs can preview their overall hospital quality star rating through Feb. 14 at the QualityNet Secure Portal. To preview the data, see the inpatient and outpatient preview reports for the April update. Prospective payment system-exempt cancer hospitals, inpatient psychiatric facilities and ambulatory surgical centers also can preview their quality data for the April update through Feb. 14. For more information, visit www.qualitynet.org. CMS also plans to add a Factsheet and answers to Frequently Asked Questions for the overall hospital star ratings. Questions about the methodology can be emailed to cmsstarratings@lantanagroup.com.