The majority of home health agencies received a rating of three based on CMS' five-star rating program. The program compares quality and safety at U.S. healthcare facilities, according to Crain's Chicago Business.
Here are eight notes:
1. The national average for more than 9,000 home health agencies is three, with five being the best on the star-rating scale. Approximately 4,274 agencies received three stars.
2. A mere 239 home health agencies got a rating of five stars with 201 agencies either receiving one or 1.5 stars.
3. The CMS expressed concern over the methods and measured used, claiming they not adequately reflect the needs of the population being served.
4. The star rating is based on providers' outcomes for six outcome measures and three process measures. Providers scored higher on processes rather than outcomes.
5. The average Medicare home health beneficiary is 85 years old with various chronic illnesses that are not likely to improve, causing many to question the validity of the rating system.
6. Medicare pays for home health serves for approximately 3.5 million beneficiaries for a total close of $17.9 billion.
7. CMS's star ratings are intended to help consumers identify differences in quality and make informed choices when choosing a healthcare provider.
8. Various agencies claim the star system is unfair because it only places a certain number of facilities in each category. Only 2.5 percent of facilities can receive five stars.
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