In the Footsteps of Donabedian: The US News and World Report Hospital Ranking System

Tags: Health

05/16/2019 Michel Accad, MD Anish Koka

Quality ratings of hospitals and physicians: help or hindrance? Surely, the general public demands and is entitled to an assessment of hospital quality based on sound methodology. And ratings coming from the private sector are far more likely to be unbiased and to adjust to an ever changing healthcare landscape than those coming from the government and public policy sector. But is there a downside to scrutinizing the healthcare enterprise?

We have a fascinating conversation with one of the most knowledgeable persons on the topic. Ben Harder is Chief of Health Analysis at US News and World Report and oversees the team of analysts and statisticians who produce the most recognized ranking of hospitals in the country. Ben holds a Bachelor of Science in Biological Anthropology from Harvard University and began his career in health and science journalism before taking the job of quality czar at US News and World Report.

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