CMS Unveils Redesigned Medicare Provider Comparison Website For Consumers

CMS launched a remodeled website Thursday that consolidates its eight online consumer tools to one platform.

The redesigned site is an attempt by CMS to give users a more streamlined experience using its platform, called Compare tools.

CMS has published information online about healthcare providers and care settings for Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers for more than 15 years. One of the elements for the hospital version to convey quality, the star ratings, has come under fire for producing inconsistent results and CMS recently proposed changes to the methodology as a result.

The eight different interfaces representing each care setting was confusing and cumbersome for users, according to CMS Administrator Seema Verma during a press call Wednesday. “The information will now be displayed in a modern streamlined design to make it as helpful as possible to users,” Verma said.

The remodeled site, available on Medicare.gov, can now access users’ location and a drop-down menu allows the consumer to select what type of provider they are looking for. Options are hospitals, nursing homes, home health, dialysis centers, long-term care hospitals, inpatient rehabilitation, physicians and hospice groups. A user can compare up to three providers using information about costs, location and quality data. The site is also compatible for use on smartphone and tablets.

CMS is seeking feedback from users about the upgraded platform. There is an online survey available on Medicare.gov for users. CMS will also seek feedback from provider stakeholders who treat Medicare beneficiaries.

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