Oceanside CA— In a first-time home health agencies program published on Home Health Compare, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has rated Tri-City Medical Center’s Home Health Services 4 out of 5 stars. Out of 35 local agencies, only eight qualified for 4-star recognition, and just 26 percent of agencies qualify nationwide.”It is a true honor to receive this recognition from CMS,” said Tri-City Medical Center CEO Tim Moran. “Through this rating, we hope to reach even more members of our community to provide high-quality home care to improve quality of life, health and longevity.”
Designed to help consumers identify care quality differences when selecting a healthcare provider, ratings are based on nine metrics for patient care, including timely initiation of care, drug education, administration of influenza immunizations, acute care hospitalization and improvement in ambulation, bed transferring, bathing, pain and shortness of breath. Measurement is also based on OASIS assessments and Medicare claims data calculated from OASIS assessment dates between Jan. 1, 2014 and Dec. 31, 2014 and claims data between Oct. 1, 2013 through Sept. 30, 2014.
“Adding star ratings to Home Health Compare is another step forward in our continuing efforts to empower consumers by providing more information to help them make health care decisions, while also encouraging providers to strive for higher levels of quality,” said Dr. Patrick Conway, Acting Principal Deputy Administrator for CMS and Deputy Administrator for Innovation and Quality, in a recent statement.
A second form of measurement, Patient Survey Star Ratings, is coming in January 2016. This rating will be based on HHCAHPS survey data reflecting the patient’s experience of care measures.
For more information about Tri-City Home Health, please visit www.tricitymed.org/services/home-care or call (760) 940-5800.
About Tri-City Medical Center
Tri-City Medical Center has served its community for over 50 years and is a full service, acute-care hospital in Oceanside, Calif. with a primary care clinic and over 500 physicians practicing in 60 specialties. Its Gold Seal of Approval® from the Joint Commission recognizes its commitment to safe and effective patient care for the residents of the community it serves. It operates the only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in North County as well as an Orthopaedic & Spine Institute, Cardiovascular Health Institute and a Neurological Institute along with the Tri-City Wellness Center in Carlsbad, Calif., recognized as one of the best wellness centers in San Diego County. It also specializes in women’s health, robotic surgery, cancer and emergency care. Selected from over 5,700 hospitals, Tri-City medical Center has been recognized as an innovator in medical treatments, research, technology and care delivery as well as an anchor of health in the country.
For more information about Tri-City Medical Center and Tri-City Healthcare District, please visit www.tricitymed.org.