Summary
Establishes a framework for the collection, aggregation and public dissemination of quality and resource-use related information.
Implementation Status
Evidence of HHS’s efforts to develop a uniform approach to the distribution of quality
information can be observed at the Hospital Compare and Physician Compare websites.
On Sept. 10, 2014, CMS announced that it is postponing the implementation of Star ratings for dialysis facilities on its Dialysis Facility Compare website until January 2015. Citing stakeholder feedback, the agency says the delay – from the originally anticipated October 1, 2014 date – will “allow more time for consumer education about appropriate use of the ratings for making decisions about treatment” while enabling “dialysis facilities extra time to review their ratings and fine tune verification and correction processes for data submission” to Medicare’s Dialysis Facility Compare website.
In early Nov., CMS indicated that the Star ratings on the Dialysis Facility Compare website will use the methodology initially outlined, with facilities having a 15-day preview period to review ratings in advance of public posting in January 2015.
2016
On Jan. 28, CMS released the first home health patient experience of care star ratings on Home Health Compare.
On Feb. 24, CMS opened a nomination period for a Home Health Quality of Patient Care Star Ratings Technical Expert Panel.