CMS will not update overall hospital star ratings in October

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services today announced it will not update its overall hospital quality star ratings on Hospital Compare in October. “CMS decided not to proceed with the October update to continue its examination of potential changes to the Star Rating methodology based on public feedback,” the agency said. The star ratings released last December will remain on the Hospital Compare website until the next update, CMS said. The AHA has repeatedly urged CMS to suspend and explore alternative approaches to the star ratings, which have been broadly criticized by quality experts and Congress as inaccurate and misleading to consumers.