60 senators urge CMS to delay overall hospital quality star ratings

Apr 11, 2016 - 03:48 PM

Sixty senators today urged the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to delay the April 21 release of the overall hospital quality star ratings in order “to provide the necessary time to more closely examine the star rating methodology, analyze its impact on different types of hospitals, and provide more transparent information regarding the calculation of the ratings to determine accuracy.” The senators wrote, “While we support the public reporting of provider quality data, we are concerned that the current Star Ratings system may not accurately take into account hospitals that treat patients with low socioeconomic status or multiple complex chronic conditions. We appreciate CMS’s recognition in previous rulemaking of the effects these patient populations have on Medicare Advantage and Part D plans and urge CMS to give similar consideration to the similar effects on the Hospital Compare Star Ratings system.” The letter was spearheaded by Sens. Rob Portman (R-OH) and Bob Casey (D-PA). Reps. Jim Renacci (R- OH) and Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) are collecting signatures through Wednesday for a similar letter in the House.

Related News Articles

Headline
Recall issued for aspiration system by Q’Apel Medical
The Food and Drug Administration has identified a Class I recall of Q’Apel Medical 072 Aspiration System after the company submitted three device event reports…
Headline
FDA issues alerts on certain catheters produced by BD, Conavi
The Food and Drug Administration has issued alerts for issues with certain catheters made by BD and Conavi. BD identified an increase in material fatigue…
Headline
AHA launches online collaborative focused on quality improvement
The AHA Living Learning Network is launching the Quality Exchange, a virtual collaborative for health care quality and patient safety professionals at…
Headline
AHA webpage highlights how hospitals and health systems integrate patient safety
As part of the AHA's Patient Safety Initiative, a dedicated webpage features case studies showing how hospitals and health systems across the nation are…
Headline
FDA recalls Medtronic Aortic Root Cannulas 
The Food and Drug Administration has identified a Class I recall of Medtronic Aortic Root Cannulas due to a risk of unexpected loose material in the male luer…
Headline
Study finds social factors explain poorer cardiovascular health in rural areas 
A study published March 31 by the National Institutes of Health found that adults living in rural areas have worse cardiovascular health than those in urban…