CMS adds Central line-associated bloodstream infection rates to Hospital Compare website

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has added central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) in hospital ICUs to its Hospital Compare website, according to a press release.

The press release states that CLABSIs are among the most serious of all healthcare-associated infections, resulting in thousands of deaths each year and nearly $700 million in added costs to the U.S. healthcare system.  CMS states that adding this metric to the public Hospital Compare website will hold hospitals accountable for bringing down these rates.

(Sources: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, http://www.cms.gov, February 7, 2012)