CMS Delays 5-Star Rating System for Dialysis Centers
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that it will delay the rollout of its 5-star rating system for dialysis centers, pushing back the launch date from October to January 2015. This CMS initiative is aimed at helping consumers compare quality at dialysis centers across the nation.
The CMS delayed the launch of this program because dialysis providers questioned the methodology and said the program was likely to be more confusing than helpful. As a result, the CMS has pushed the launch date back by 3 months.
The CMS began using the rating program on nursing homes in December 2008 and earlier this year applied a similar rubric to physician groups. In July, the agency announced plans to extend the program to dialysis facilities starting October 9.
The delay allows for additional time for consumer education about appropriate use of the ratings, give dialysis facilities extra time to review their ratings, and to fine-tune the verification and correction processes. The CMS said it will host consumer educational activities before launching the ratings, including an open-door forum, informational sessions, and direct outreach.
The CMS announced its intent to use the ratings during a national provider call in July. Dialysis providers immediately cited issues with the preliminary methodology outlined. Some argued the end-stage renal disease quality incentive program and Medicare's survey process already assess these factors, and the additional program would generate conflicting results.—Kerri Fitzgerald
