Hospitals Can Now Access FFY 2014 Scores Through Press Ganey Value-Based Purchasing Tool

SOUTH BEND, Ind., March 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Press Ganey has updated its Value-Based Purchasing Calculator to reflect new federal fiscal year (FFY) 2014 methodologies. With this latest release, client hospitals can access an accurate picture of their hospital's performance based on either FFY 2013 or 2014 criteria, and model different scenarios to prioritize improvement opportunities and optimize payment.

The 2014 methodology from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) adds a new outcomes domain and is weighted as follows: 45% clinical process of care; 30% Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS); and 25% outcomes.

The new outcomes domain includes mortality measures for acute myocardial infarction, heart failure and pneumonia. A new clinical process of care measure has also been added for Surgical Care Improvement Project (SCIP)-Inf-9: postoperative urinary catheter removal on postoperative day one or two.

"With the shift to value-based payment underway, it's imperative for clients to have the most current data available, modeled on the timeliest methodology, to understand their true position," said Patrick T. Ryan, CEO of Press Ganey. "This enhancement delivers that vital business intelligence. Press Ganey continues to be the only company that can provide to clients a near real-time look at accurate clinical process, HCAHPS and outcomes data to determine the right strategies that will drive improvement."

Press Ganey's Value-Based Purchasing Calculator is refreshed monthly with clients' most recent, complete data from Press Ganey's proprietary databases – data that are a full year more recent than publicly available data. This means that hospitals that work with Press Ganey to meet HCAHPS or core measures reporting requirements can now calculate their value-based purchasing (VBP) scores based on 2011 data.

The CMS value-based purchasing program will impact Medicare payments for general, acute-care hospitals beginning with Oct. 1, 2012 discharges. The performance period baseline assessment year for all hospitals subject to VBP began July 1, 2011. The 2014 performance period for the new outcomes domain is more than halfway over, and the performance period for process of care and HCAHPS domains begins April 1, 2012.

For further information on Press Ganey's Value-Based Purchasing Calculator solution and VBP-related resources, visit: http://www.pressganey.com/VBP.

Press Ganey Associates, Inc.
Recognized as a leader in performance improvement for more than 25 years, Press Ganey partners with more than 10,000 health care organizations worldwide to create and sustain high-performing organizations, and, ultimately, improve the overall health care experience. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of solutions to help clients operate efficiently, improve quality, increase market share and optimize reimbursement. Press Ganey works with clients from across the continuum of care – hospitals, medical practices, home health agencies and other providers – including 50% of all U.S. hospitals. For more information, visit www.pressganey.com.

SOURCE Press Ganey