The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has released its monthly quality ratings for hospitals nationwide, highlighting both top performers and those in need of improvement. Out of all hospitals rated, only 94 nationwide achieved the highest five-star rating, while 199 received the lowest, one-star rating.
In Southern Illinois, three hospitals were placed in the one-star category: Ferrell Hospital in Eldorado, Herrin Hospital, and Hardin County General Hospital in Rosiclare. These ratings indicate areas where these hospitals may need to focus on improvement.
On a more positive note, only two area hospitals received the distinguished five-star rating: Memorial Hospital in Belleville and The Women’s Hospital in Newburgh, Indiana.
CMS determines star ratings based on 46 hospital quality measures, which are divided into five key categories: mortality, safety, patient experience, readmission rates, and timely and effective care. The goal of these ratings is to provide transparency and help patients make informed decisions about where to seek care.