INDIANA — As healthcare continues to evolve in 2026, patients facing elective surgeries or chronic care are being urged to take a more active role in selecting their medical facilities. With recent updates to federal transparency tools, the “where” of your surgery is now as accessible as the “what.”
Experts recommend that anyone planning for hospital care start their journey at Medicare.gov/care-compare. This updated tool allows users to go beyond word-of-mouth recommendations by providing data-driven insights into hospital performance.
Understanding the Stars
The “Care Compare” system uses two primary types of ratings to help patients differentiate between facilities:
- Overall Hospital Rating: This reflects performance across critical quality areas, including safety of care, readmission rates, and success in treating serious conditions like heart attacks. Note for 2026: Under new CMS guidelines, a hospital’s safety record now acts as a “ceiling.” Facilities in the lowest 25% for safety performance are now capped at a maximum of 4 stars, ensuring that a high-star rating truly reflects a safe environment.
- Patient Star Ratings: Based on the HCAHPS (Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems) survey, these stars measure the actual patient experience—covering everything from nurse communication to the cleanliness of the rooms.
Comparing Performance to National Averages
A hospital may look good on paper, but how does it stack up against the rest of the country? The tool allows you to compare a specific facility against national averages in three vital categories:
- Timely and Effective Care: How quickly and correctly treatments are administered.
- Complications: Rates of surgical infections or medical errors.
- Patient Experience: How well the hospital staff addresses patient needs and concerns.
The Doctor-Patient Dialogue
While data is powerful, it is intended to supplement—not replace—a conversation with your physician. Understanding your choices helps you ask more informed questions during your pre-op visits.
It’s important to remember that some hospitals have significantly more experience with specific conditions or procedures than others. Furthermore, doctors often have “privileges” at only certain hospitals, and insurance networks can change annually. Before scheduling, confirm that your chosen hospital accepts your insurance and that your surgeon is authorized to practice there.
While research is essential for planned procedures, always go to the closest hospital in a life-threatening emergency. In a crisis, time is the most critical factor for survival.
