CMS has proposed changes to the FY 2014 Medicare Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) rules. Leapfrog remains concerned about the lack of clarity in addressing the significant gap in the public reporting of hospital-acquired conditions, the frequency in which some of the measure sets are refreshed on the Hospital Compare website, and the lack of measures that focus on common and serious medical errors such as medication errors. While there are many elements of the proposed rule which we strongly support, we believe there are aspects of the rule that CMS should amend in order to promote increased safety and transparency in health care. Leapfrog's ability to report on key aspects of patient safety relies heavily on the availability of publicly reported data from CMS. Without this vital data, we will face great challenges in promoting hospital transparency.
On June 25, 2013, The Leapfrog Group submitted comments to CMS in response to proposed changes to the FY 2014 Medicare Inpatient Prospective Payment System. The letter was sent on behalf of thirty-five individuals and organizations who signed on. The submitted comments can be accessed here.