First HCAHPS Results Put Iowa in Top 10

Information about how patients view their hospital care became available this week for the first time on the Hospital Quality Alliance’s public Web site, Hospital Compare (www.hospitalcompare.hhs.gov).  Patient responses were compiled through the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems hospital survey, known as HCAHPS.  The new data is hospital-specific and reflects patients’ insights about key aspects of hospital care.  Iowa hospitals’ average score was above the U.S. average for all 10 of the categories addressed (see table below).  Overall, Iowa’s results ranked ninth in the nation.

Under the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, Medicare Prospective Payment System (PPS) hospitals have been required to submit HCAHPS data in order to qualify for their inpatient PPS payment update.  For this first publication of HCAHPS data, hospital had the option of suppressing their data.  However, all data will be made public beginning with the next quarter, with data being updated on a quarterly basis.  Critical Access Hospitals may participate in HCAHPS voluntarily.