Cleveland Clinic changes approach to quality reporting

The Cleveland Clinic has stopped reporting data on hospital-aquired infection to the Leapfrog Group because, officials say, the hospital system is focused on reporting to similar government-run databases (Source: “Cleveland Clinic quits reporting infection data to patient safety group” MedCity News, Oct. 24, 2011).

The move prompted comment from Dr. John Santa, the director of the Consumer Report Health Ratings Center.

“Cleveland Clinic is rightfully proud of the many positive reports on its care,” he said. “But it should also be accountable for care that needs to be improved in some of its hospitals. And part of that accountability is to be transparent with patients when problems occur.”

In response, Cleveland Clinic spokeswoman Eillen Shiel reiterated to Consumer Reports that the Clinic will continue reporting quality date to other sources, such as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ database that all hospitals must report to.

“We are committed to safe, high-quality outcomes and transparency,” she said.

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