Logan Reid
The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings to US hospitals annually based on 46 hospital quality measures. These ratings are calculated using five quality categories: safety of care, mortality, patient experience, readmission rates, and timely and effective care. In 2023, 10% of hospitals, or 248 hospitals, received one star. It is important to note that these ratings are just one factor to consider when evaluating hospitals, and other sources of information should also be consulted.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of hospitals with one star | 10% |
| Number of hospitals with one star | 248 |
| Date of ratings | 26 July 2023 |
| Organization that assigned the ratings | CMS |
| Number of quality measures used | 46 |
| Number of quality categories | 5 |
| Categories used | Safety of care, mortality, patient experience, readmission rates, and timely and effective care |
| Rating system name | Five-Star Quality Rating System |
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What You'll Learn
CMS rated 10% of hospitals with one star in 2024
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) rates hospitals on a scale of one to five stars, with one star being the lowest rating. The ratings are designed to be distributed on a bell-shaped curve. In 2024, CMS rated 10% of hospitals with one star. This means that out of the 2,846 hospitals that received a star rating from CMS this year, approximately 285 hospitals were given one star.
The CMS hospital star ratings are intended to convey hospital quality in an easy-to-interpret way for patients. Hospitals that receive higher ratings perform better on standard measures of quality, including readmission rates, safety, and patient experience. A one-star hospital rating indicates that the hospital's quality is lower compared to the average results statewide.
While star ratings can provide a general overview of hospital quality, they have some limitations. For example, a 2021 study found that the distribution of scores is tightly clustered in the middle, with no hospitals being the best or worst at everything. As a result, there may not be much of a significant difference between hospitals with adjacent star ratings. Additionally, star ratings do not always correlate closely with performance on specific condition-related quality measures, such as cancer or stroke care.
It is important to consider other sources of information when making healthcare decisions. Caitlin Gillooley, the American Hospital Association’s director of quality and behavioral health policy, stated that star ratings are "just one of several sources of information to inform patient choice." Patients should also examine measures specific to their care, seek advice from physicians, and consider a hospital’s specialty certifications.
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248 hospitals were given one star in 2023
The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) updated its annual Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings in July 2023, assigning one star to 248 hospitals across the United States. The ratings are based on 46 hospital quality measures, which are divided into five quality categories: safety of care, mortality, patient experience, readmission rates, and timely and effective care. The data reporting period for these ratings ranged from July 2018 to March 2022.
The one-star rating indicates that these hospitals are considered to have quality much below average when compared to other medical institutions in the country. Some of the hospitals that received this rating include St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro, St. Rose Hospital in Hayward, Bayfront Health St. Petersburg, and St. Lucie Medical Center in Port Saint Lucie.
The CMS star ratings are designed to be distributed on a bell-shaped curve, with hospitals representing the bottom 10% of the curve receiving one star. This rating system is intended to help consumers, their families, and caregivers easily compare healthcare facilities and make informed decisions about their care. However, it is important to note that star ratings are just one source of information among many when it comes to evaluating hospitals.
While the CMS star ratings provide a snapshot of hospital performance, they may not capture the most recent changes in quality or reflect the unique needs of individual patients. Other sources of information, such as visiting the hospital, seeking input from local advocacy groups or the State Ombudsman program, and considering the proximity of the hospital, may also be important factors in making healthcare decisions. Additionally, a 2021 study found that star ratings do not always correlate closely with performance on specific condition-related quality measures, such as cancer or stroke care.
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One-star hospitals are considered to have quality much below average
The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) introduced its annual hospital star ratings in 2016. The ratings are designed to convey hospital quality in a way that is easy for patients to interpret. Hospitals with one star make up 10% of the ratings. In 2022, 192 hospitals were given a one-star rating.
The star ratings are based on hospital performance across five quality categories. However, it's important to note that these ratings are just one of several sources of information that patients can use to make choices about their healthcare. Caitlin Gillooley, the American Hospital Association’s director of quality and behavioral health policy, has stated that:
> Star ratings are “just one of several sources of information to inform patient choice.”
While one-star hospitals are considered to have quality much below average, there are limitations to the star rating system. A 2021 study found that the distribution of scores is tightly clustered in the middle, with no hospitals being the best or worst at everything. The study also found that there is very little difference between adjacent star groupings. Additionally, star ratings don't correlate closely with performance on condition-related quality measures such as cancer or stroke care.
Due to these limitations, patients are advised to examine measures specific to their care and consider a hospital's specialty certifications. The data used to calculate star ratings can also be months or years old, which can diminish its relevance for patients seeking care. Furthermore, CMS has not introduced social risk factors into its star ratings, although it has taken steps to reward hospitals that provide high-quality care to underserved populations.
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Star ratings are based on 46 hospital quality measures
The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is responsible for assigning star ratings to hospitals. These ratings are based on 46 quality measures across five groups: mortality, safety of care, readmission rates, patient experience, and timely and effective care. Hospitals must report a minimum of three measures across at least three groups, including either mortality or safety, to receive a star rating.
The star ratings are designed to follow a bell-shaped curve distribution, ensuring a balance across the rating spectrum. In 2024, 10% of hospitals received one star, while 21% received two stars, 29% received three stars, 27% received four stars, and 13% received five stars. However, it's important to note that these ratings don't reflect the nuances of hospital performance. A 2021 study revealed that the scores tend to cluster tightly in the middle, indicating that even between the top and bottom scores, there might not be a significant difference.
The rating system has faced criticism due to its limited correlation with condition-related quality measures. For instance, star ratings may not provide sufficient insight into the performance of hospitals in areas such as cancer or stroke care. Additionally, the ratings don't currently incorporate social risk factors or their component measures. However, CMS has made efforts to recognize hospitals delivering high-quality care to underserved populations through initiatives like the "health equity adjustment" in its Hospital Value-Based Purchasing Program.
The calculation of star ratings involves various factors. One factor is the number of measure groups reported, which serves as a proxy for hospital size. A hospital's rating can be influenced by the performance of other hospitals within its peer group. Furthermore, the ratings are based on data that may be months or years old, potentially impacting their relevance for patients seeking the most current information. The methodology underlying the ratings is subject to change, and tweaks in how measures are assessed or weighted can impact a hospital's rating.
While star ratings offer a glimpse into hospital performance, they should not be the sole criterion for patients when choosing a hospital. Caitlin Gillooley, the American Hospital Association's director of quality and behavioral health policy, emphasizes that star ratings are just one piece of the puzzle and that patients should consider other sources of information as well. Experts advise patients to examine measures specific to their care needs, seek advice from physicians, and consider a hospital's specialty certifications.
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US News ranks hospitals by state, specialty and more
US News also ranks hospitals in each state and major metro areas to help individuals find excellent care close to home. For example, in the 2025-2026 rankings, 504 hospitals were named Best Regional Hospitals for their outstanding performance in at least eight procedures and conditions. These hospitals are located in various urban and rural areas across the country, including New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Florida, and North Dakota.
In addition to adult hospitals, US News also evaluates children's hospitals. In the 2024-2025 rankings, 88 children's hospitals were recognised for their expertise in one or more of 11 pediatric specialties, including behavioural health, cancer, and urology. These rankings help families with children narrow their search for hospitals skilled in treating serious conditions and performing complex procedures.
The US News hospital rankings are based on rigorous criteria and unbiased methodologies. They consider factors such as the complexity of care, the number of patients treated, and the level of care provided. Additionally, they analyse data from Medicare beneficiaries and medical claims to ensure that patients can make informed decisions about their healthcare.
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Frequently asked questions
In 2023, 248 hospitals were given one star out of five by CMS. This accounts for 10% of hospitals.
Nursing homes or hospitals with one star are considered to have quality ""much below average".
The ratings are based on 46 hospital quality measures, which are divided into five categories: safety of care, mortality, patient experience, readmission rates, and timely and effective care.
The ratings can be found on the Nursing Home Care Compare website, which allows users to compare nursing homes in their area.
