CMS Planning Web Site Enhancements

CMS plans to revamp its Hospital Compare web site as part of a new pay-for-performance reimbursement program submitted to Congress. Hospitals would continue to report quality measures to the Web site under the new value-based purchasing program, according to CMS. The agency said that specific enhancements to the Web site will "support expanded and more user-friendly public reporting." The Web site, which is accessible to the public, rates hospitals on certain measures of care. The value-based purchasing proposal would build upon the current hospital quality reporting program that launched in 2005. The Hospital Compare Web site will continue to receive updates and improvements, regardless of whether Congress approves the new value-based purchasing proposal. To view the current Hospital Compare web site go to http://www.hospitalcompare.hhs.gov/Hospital/Search/SearchCriteria.asp?version=default&browser=IE%7C6%7CWinXP&language=English&defaultstatus=0&pagelist=Home