Despite the federal government's initiative to increase transparency surrounding healthcare costs and quality information, the Government Accountability Office released a report saying CMS is failing to do so.
The GAO report analyzed five of CMS' transparency tools: Nursing Home Compare, Dialysis Facility Compare, Home Health Compare, Hospital Compare and Physician Compare.
The report found these tools do little to provide consumers with an adequate comparison methodology. "GAO found that the tools lack relevant information on cost and provide limited information on key differences in quality of care, which hinders consumers' ability to make meaningful distinctions among providers based on their performance," the report summary reads.
Additionally, the report indicates the tools do not contain information on out-of-pocket costs, prohibiting consumers to accurately assess the value and cost of certain services.
The report also mentions the format of the tools are not easily accessible for consumers, as they do not use clear language, do not offer summarized information and do not allow consumers to customize how the information is presented.
The GAO alleges CMS' tools have been substantially influenced by concerns of the providers instead of concerns for the consumer. "Without procedures or metrics focusing on consumer needs, CMS cannot ensure that these efforts will product cost and quality information that is relevant and understandable to consumers seeking to make meaningful distinctions," the report summary reads.
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