About Comparing Health Care Quality

Today, or sometime in the future, you or your family may face the responsibility of selecting a health care facility for someone you love. The reasons for these health care decisions are varied - it may be a progressive decline in physical, mental or emotional wellbeing, or an unexpected accident or injury. Regardless of the reason, your decision may be difficult due to related emotional stress, inexperience or a need to act quickly. If you live a distance from the one in need, the pressure may be greater. What factors should you consider and where should you turn for reliable information?

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has established Hospital Compare, Nursing Home Compare and Home Health Compare in order to enable the public to make better, more informed health care choices. This information is provided free of charge and can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Medicare gathers information about the quality of care given by nursing homes, home health agencies and hospitals nationwide and publishes it on the medicare.gov Web site. It is intended to help you compare the quality of nursing homes, home health agencies and hospitals in your area. You will be able to evaluate these health care settings on certain quality measures.

It is important to note that reviewing the information on Nursing Home Compare, Home Health Compare and Hospital Compare is only one step in the decision-making process. Consumers are encouraged to talk to their health care providers, discharge planners, and when possible, visit facilities. Family and friends can also be another source of information.

The publicly reported comparative data is part of a broader quality improvement effort on the part of CMS. It is also intended to prompt nursing homes, home health agencies and hospitals to improve quality of care.

In addition to the Medicare Web site, CMS provides a helpline at 1-800-MEDICARE to answer consumer questions.

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