Correlation between hospital rating agencies' data: an analysis and recommendation.
Using publicly-available data in Connecticut, this study analyzed the comparability of four health care rating agencies in the United States (Leapfrog, CMS, Heathgrades, and Why Not the Best [WNTB]). The only significant correlations were between Leapfrog and CMS and Leapfrog and WNTB, but the correlation between Leapfrog and CMS is likely due to Leapfrog’s use of CMS data in their algorithm. The lack of correlation between the ratings of these four agencies may lead to consumer confusion about publicly-reported patient safety data.