OCH Earns 5 Star Patient Experience Rating from CMS

Ohio County Healthcare (OCH) is proud to announce that it has received a 5-Star Patient Experience Rating for the reporting period of January through December 2023, as recognized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Ohio County Healthcare’s 5-Star Patient Experience rating puts it among the top 8% of all surveyed hospitals in Kentucky and the top 10% nationwide.

“We are thrilled to receive this recognition for the quality of care our staff provides,” said Shellie Shouse, CEO of Ohio County Healthcare. “Our commitment to ‘Outstanding Care Here’ (OCH) is reflected in every interaction with our patients, whether it’s through our clinical teams, support staff, or leadership. We believe that exceptional care is the result of a team-wide effort, and this 5-star rating is a testament to the dedication of everyone who plays a part in the care we deliver.”

The CMS Star Rating evaluation system is designed to promote healthcare transparency to allow consumers to make informed decisions regarding healthcare options. Hospitals can receive ratings in the following areas: mortality, patient experience, readmissions, safety of care, and timeliness & effectiveness of care. OCH received a 5-Star rating in “Patient Experience” based on survey responses, with 5 stars representing the highest quality of patient care. This rating was calculated by combining scores from questions related to various aspects of patient care, such as: communication with nurses & doctors, staff responsiveness, and the quality of cleanliness.

“We have focused on enhancing communication, strengthening processes, and fostering a culture of compassion in all aspects of patient care,” said Athena Minor, OCH CNCO. “Our staff has worked relentlessly to ensure that every patient, regardless of their needs, is treated with respect and receives the care they deserve.”

The collected feedback is focused on a patient’s inpatient care experience but also indirectly measures their overall patient satisfaction with the full continuum of care in other admission entry points such as the Emergency Department, Surgical Services, and Provider Practices. Ancillary departments like Lab, Radiology, Rehab, Respiratory Therapy, etc. as well as those supporting the organizational infrastructure, such as Admitting, Environmental Services, Maintenance, & Nutritional Services, have also played vital roles in improving the overall healthcare experience for patients.

While Ohio County Healthcare is very proud of this achievement, we are also dedicated to maintaining and building upon these standards. As benchmarks evolve and healthcare needs change, we remain steadfast in our mission to provide the highest level of care, ensuring the well-being of our communities for years to come.

To learn more about CMS’s Patient Experience Star Ratings, visit Medicare.gov