For NC, few standout hospitals in new federal rating system

[WorseBeforeBetter]

Raleigh, N.C. — Three hospitals in the state scored top marks in a new federal rating system designed to help patients access more information about how healthcare facilities measure up.

More than three-quarters of the state's hospitals earned three or four stars out of five, an average score based on surveys of patient experiences conducted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Patients can access the full data on hospital performance through the CMS Hospital Compare tool.

Experts caution, however, that the ratings released this week give an incomplete picture of healthcare quality.

Alan Wolf, media relations manager for Rex and UNC Health Care, said patient experience can be an important part of a hospital stay. But he said the star ratings don't address other issues such as outcomes or safety records.

Read more at http://www.wral.com/for-nc-few-standout-hospitals-in-new-federal-rating-system/14587141/#8s0DuDWxeSWz0PiY.99

[jeff47]

1. Those ranked highest were...

Those ranked highest were:

North Carolina Specialty Hospital, a small sports medicine and reconstructive surgery center in Durham
FirstHealth Moore Regional in Pinehurst
Chatham Hospital, a partner of UNC Health Care in Siler City

I've actually been in NC Specialty Hospital. They nearly killed me when their anesthesiologist failed at intubating me. No problem with that anywhere else.

[WorseBeforeBetter]

2. Good Lord, that's terrifying.

Glad you're OK!