If not by carrot, then definitely with a stick.

CMS placed advertisements in 58 newspapers on Wednesday publicizing area hospital satisfaction rates found on the Hospital Compare website.  The ads reported the results of two questions: “The percentage of patients who always got help when they needed it. And the percentage of patients who got antibiotics one hour before surgery.”

Interesting approach.  Especially as web use increases and newspaper readership declines.  Maybe they are looking to reach a different audience.  But as an example of generational difference: I’m willing to bet more hospitals were concerned when they heard their results would be published in a newspaper than just on the website.

PS, the first patient satisfaction survey were not required.  So not hospitals reported.

More coverage: Comarow on Quality, Health Blog, USA Today

This entry is filed under Not Problems but Opportunities.