CMS updated the data in Hospital Compare earlier this month, and the number of hospitals that received the coveted five-star summary rating based on their patient satisfaction scores has increased.
However, the number of hospitals with a one-star rating also increased.
When the star ratings first went live in April, just 251 of 3,553 rated hospitals earned the highest available rating of five stars. With the updated data set, there are now 336 hospitals out of 3,548 with a five-star overall rating.
The new data is based on data from HCAHPS scores gathered from October 2013 through September 2014.
The following is the breakdown of the new star rating distribution:
- One star: 121 hospitals (101 hospitals prior to update)
- Two stars: 475 hospitals (582 hospitals prior)
- Three stars: 1,320 hospitals (1,414 hospitals prior)
- Four stars: 1,296 hospitals (1,205 hospitals prior)
- Five stars: 336 hospitals (251 hospitals prior)
According to The Advisory Board Company, CMS plans to update the data and the star ratings every quarter.