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U.S. News & World Report Announces Inaugural Best Home Health Ratings

In a significant development for post-acute care, U.S. News & World Report has unveiled its first-ever ratings for Best Home Health Agencies. This initiative aims to provide a valuable resource for Americans looking for quality health care services in the comfort of their homes following hospital stays or health issues. The ratings are based on a comprehensive evaluation of over 12,000 Medicare-certified home health agencies across the nation, highlighting two primary categories for consumers:

1. High Performing Agencies: A total of 1,319 agencies received the prestigious Best Home Health distinction, reflecting excellence in care quality and patient experience.
2. As Expected Agencies: In total, 5,288 agencies met U.S. News standards for quality and experience.

According to Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News, "the quality of care at home can significantly influence recovery outcomes, especially post-surgery or during chronic condition management. Families often face high-pressure decisions about post-acute care, and these ratings are designed to aid them in choosing the best options."

Performance Highlights

The comparison of Best Home Health agencies with national averages sheds light on their superior performance:

• - Timeliness of Care: The top-rated agencies reported an impressive 99% on-time initiation of care, compared to a national average of 94%. Timely care initiation is crucial for a smooth transition from hospital to home.
• - Improvement in Mobility: A remarkable 93% of patients under these agencies saw enhancements in mobility, such as walking and moving, which is significantly higher than the 83% national average.
• - Increase in Daily Independence: Patients affiliated with high-performing agencies demonstrated greater success in daily tasks like getting out of bed, bathing, and medication management.

These improvements are critical indicators of health recovery and independence as patients recover at home.

Underlying Methodology

U.S. News developed its ratings using data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, combining care quality measures and patient experience survey results. The findings and ratings are openly available at USNews.com, equipping consumers with reliable data to make informed care decisions. This new resource complements U.S. News' existing evaluations, which include rankings of the Best Nursing Homes and Best Hospitals for Rehabilitation, expanding the meaningful guidance for patients as they navigate their recovery journey.

To celebrate this important launch, U.S. News encourages sharing experiences using #BestHomeHealth across social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and X. The initiative represents a vital stride towards empowering consumers in their health care choices, aligning with U.S. News' long-standing reputation as a trusted source for vital information across various sectors.

About U.S. News & World Report

For more than 90 years, U.S. News & World Report has been a cornerstone in providing independent journalism and rankings that assist consumers, citizens, and policymakers in making informed decisions about education, health, and various other sectors. With millions of visitors monthly to USNews.com, the publication is committed to empowering individuals with transparency and clear insights in their decision-making processes.

For those interested in exploring the full details of the inaugural Best Home Health Ratings, further information is readily available at USNews.com.