Blog & news
What changed in the data, and what it means for patients. CMS refreshes hospital quality measures roughly every quarter — we explain what moved and why.
Mental Health Services in Hospitals: Expansion Trends and Access Guide
Hospitals across America are expanding their mental health services in response to growing demand and recognition that mental
Flu Season Hospital Preparation: What Hospitals Do and How Patients Can Stay Safe
Every year, flu season places significant demands on hospitals across the country. Understanding how hospitals prepare for
Hospital Emergency Preparedness: How Hospitals Prepare for Disasters and Crises
Hospital emergency preparedness encompasses the planning, training, and systems that enable healthcare facilities to respond to
How to Prepare for a Hospital Stay: Complete Patient Checklist
Preparing for a planned hospital stay reduces anxiety and helps ensure a smoother experience. This comprehensive checklist covers
Holiday Emergency Room Visits: What to Know Before You Go
Holiday periods often bring unique challenges to hospital emergency rooms, from cooking injuries and travel accidents to
Rural Hospital Closures in America: Causes, Impact, and Community Resources
Rural hospital closures represent one of the most pressing healthcare challenges in America. When a rural hospital closes, the
Hospital Mortality Rates by State: Understanding Patient Outcome Data
Hospital mortality rates — the percentage of patients who die during or shortly after hospitalization — vary significantly across
Emergency Department Wait Times: Latest Data and How to Reduce Your Wait
Emergency department (ED) wait times are a major concern for patients and hospitals alike. Long waits can delay critical care
Telehealth in Hospitals: Trends, Growth, and Impact on Patient Care
Telehealth has transformed from a niche service into a mainstream component of hospital care. The rapid expansion of virtual
Hospital Nurse Staffing Ratios: How Staffing Levels Impact Patient Care
The number of nurses relative to patients in a hospital — known as the nurse staffing ratio — is one of the most significant
Hospital Mergers and Acquisitions: Current Trends and Patient Impact
Hospital mergers and acquisitions (M&A) continue to reshape the American healthcare landscape. These consolidation trends
Hospital Price Transparency Rule: Compliance Status and Patient Impact
Since January 2021, federal rules have required hospitals to publicly disclose their prices for services. This price transparency
Browse other sections
News is one of six content areas. The rest are evergreen guides that do not go out of date the way a data release does.
How to Choose a Hospital
Weighing ratings, distance and specialty when you have a choice.
Hospital Costs & Billing
What a stay costs, reading the bill, and what to do when you cannot pay.
Hospital Ratings & Quality
What star ratings, HCAHPS scores and infection ratios actually measure.
Patient Rights & Safety
What hospitals must tell you, and how to complain when they do not.
Hospitals by State
State-by-state guides to hospital quality and CMS ratings.