CMS Launches “Care Compare”
On Sept. 3rd, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the launch of Care Compare, a streamlined redesign of eight existing CMS health care compare tools available on Medicare.gov. According to CMS, “Care Compare provides a single user-friendly interface that patients and caregivers can use to make informed decisions about healthcare based on cost, quality of care, volume of services, and other data.” The new site provides consolidated access to compare tools for the following provider types:
- Doctors and clinicians
- Hospitals
- Nursing homes
- Home health services
- Hospice care
- Inpatient rehabilitation facilities
- Long-term care hospitals
- Dialysis facilities
Based on research and stakeholder feedback, CMS designed Care Compare to include features and functionalities aimed at helping consumers, including a user-friendly interface optimized for mobile and tablet use and assistive hints and guides. For example, when searching for a nursing home, consumers can utilize a checklist with common questions and considerations in choosing a provider. CMS also touts the convenience of not having to visit multiple sites when a person may need multiple services (e.g., hospital, nursing home, and home health) for a care episode.
Although the measures and data used for Care Compare have not changed, the way information is displayed is now different. During a transition period, the original compare tools for these eight provider types will continue to be available for use while CMS continues to gather feedback and considers additional improvements to Care Compare.
Members are encouraged to visit Care Compare and let us know if they have questions, concerns, or suggestions to provide to CMS.
Contact: Dan Heim, dheim@leadingageny.org, 518-461-2934