DMN File 2007

WASHINGTON – People choosing a hospital for elective surgery got a potentially handy new tool from the federal government Friday.

For the first time, the agency that runs Medicare and Medicaid posted online information about patients' satisfaction with their care at particular hospitals. The site is http://hospitalcompare.hhs.gov.

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt, who unveiled the online patient survey data at a conference of health care journalists, called it part of a broader effort to help consumers "choose hospitals based on quality and value."

The information about hospital staff responsiveness, pain management, cleanliness and communication about taking medications and what to expect after discharge came from surveys that more than 2,500 hospitals around the country gave to adults sent home between October 2006 and last June.

The goal was for each hospital to survey at least 300 patients, though some surveyed many more, said spokesmen for Mr. Leavitt.

“This is really good stuff,” said Gerry Shea of the AFL-CIO, who said it will help families compare anecdotes from their neighbors about a hospital with “statistically valid information.”

American Hospital Association president Rich Umbdenstock hailed the emergence of “a much more balanced scorecard for the public.” He said it will help hospitals improve care and customer service.