The number of 5-star agencies in quality of care has increased every quarter since the ratings were first released — and that trend continued when CMS released the latest ratings April 12.
In the first-ever 5-star quality of care ratings, back in July 2015, there were a mere 239 5-star agencies.
That number has improved steadily each quarter, increasing to 378 5-star agencies in April 2017.
That’s the good news.
But agencies should note that the number of agencies at the bottom of CMS’ ratings totem pole continues to increase as well.
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 combined received one or 1.5 stars. In January 2017, 365 agencies nationwide received either one or 1.5 stars.