Home Health Compare's latest refresh marks the fourth straight quarter where there was a rise in the number of 5-star agencies in quality of care.
 
In the July 25 refresh, there also were more 5-star agencies in quality of care than ever before.
 
There were 494 5-star agencies in July 2018. In April 2018, there were 460 5-star agencies.
 
But it also should be noted that every quarter since the ratings system was released, the number of agencies to earn either one or 1.5 stars has risen. In July 2015, 201 agencies nationwide combined received one or 1.5 stars. In July 2018, it was 418.
 
 
Nearly 500 agencies nationwide earned five stars in the ratings system involving quality of care, according to ratings released July 25. CMS data showed 8,853 agencies earned star ratings in quality of care.
Star rating
Number of agencies, July 2018
Number of agencies, April 2018
Number of agencies, January 2018
Number of agencies, October 2017
5 stars
494
460
365
360
4.5 stars
1,003
1,025
906
959
4 stars
1,361
1,372
1,489
1,458
3.5 stars
1,669
1,706
1,732
1,759
3 stars
1,636
1,668
1,720
1,788
2.5 stars
1,321
1,341
1,402
1,407
2 stars
960
915
901
929
1.5 stars
376
371
343
332
1 star
42
43
32
40
Source: Home Health Compare