As part of the January refresh of Hospital Compare later this month, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) plans to update its hospital overall star ratings. As usual, the release of these data could generate interest from the media. The American Hospital Association (AHA) has provided a member advisory and talking points, that should help you if you get questions from your members or the media. One thing to note is that CMS has announced its intention to propose significant methodology changes to star ratings that could take effect as soon as 2021.
In addition to star ratings, CMS also plans this month to release its updated lists of hospitals that are being penalized under the Hospital-Acquired Condition (HAC) Reduction Program (HACRP) and the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP). Attached are talking points on the HAC program should you get questions.
