New Web site assesses hospitals

[NVMojo]

Nevadans now have another way to make judgments about the quality of care in hospitals -- a Web site comparing how often health care institutions follow recommended treatments for heart failure, heart attack and pneumonia.

The Web site, called "Hospital Compare," a joint effort of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and a number of health care organizations, was announced Friday in Carson City.

The information, which is voluntarily reported by hospitals, is available by visiting www.hospitalcompare.hhs.gov or www.medicare.gov and selecting "Compare Hospitals in Your Area." The information can also be obtained by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.

"We are working closely with Nevada's health care providers and HealthInsight (the Medicare quality improvement organization in Nevada) to improve the quality of care available in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies and dialysis centers," said CMS Regional Administrator Jeff Flick.

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http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2005/Apr-02-Sat-2005/news/26193998.html