CMS puts hold on new hospital rating systems

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has postponed its plan to release a new hospital star rating system, which would award one star to the worst-quality facilities and five stars to those with the best marks (Source: “Critics Of Medicare’s Overall Hospital Star Rating Push For Changes,” Kaiser Health News, May 18, 2016).

The delay came after a majority of members of Congress signed a letter supporting the hospital industry’s concerns over the ratings.

Hospital leaders who previewed the preliminary rating system say the formula seems skewed against institutions that treat the poorest or toughest patients, meaning those with complex illnesses. The number of stars would be based on 64 measures, which are posted on Medicare’s Hospital Compare website. The metrics on mortality, readmission, patient experience and patient safety are the most influential, each representing 22 percent of a facility’s rating.

Consumer advocates defend the rating system, saying that while not perfect, it correctly reflects higher rates of problems in some big institutions despite their lofty reputations. They worry that delay and congressional resistance are undermining Medicare’s attempt to help consumers select a hospital.