UTMC Earns Improved Marks from CMS, Leapfrog

May 6, 2021 | News, UToday, UTMC
By Tyrel Linkhorn



The University of Toledo Medical Center has earned recognition for its quality of patient care.

The hospital received a three-star rating for overall quality of care and services from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in that agency’s most recent review and a “B” rating in the spring 2021 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, a mark that recognizes the hospital’s continued focus on patient safety.

Both reports were released last week.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ quarterly star ratings are based on a number of measures, including quality of care, safety and readmission rates. The Leapfrog Group, an independent national hospital watchdog, issues letter grades to more than 2,700 acute care hospitals every six months based on their success in protecting patients from preventable errors, accidents, injuries and infections.

UTMC is among the top metro Toledo hospitals in the most recent Leapfrog report.

UTMC CEO Rick Swaine said the hospital’s entire workforce deserves credit for the improved rankings.

“I would like to recognize and thank all of the outstanding efforts of our physicians, nurses and each and every individual who supports the care of our patients. Their collective efforts have continued to improve the quality of our services,” Swaine said. “This is not as much about a letter score or a star rating, but about the type of compassionate care this hospital provides every patient, every day. We have a team of individuals who are second to none and I am proud of what they have accomplished and the excellent care they provide.”

UTMC has made a concerted effort over the last several years to improve patient safety, especially preventable infections such as blood infections, surgical site infections and urinary tract infections.

“Within a three-year period, we were able to make a significant improvement despite challenges. These grades reflect that effort,” said Dr. Michael Ellis, chief medical officer. “We are taking steps to improve our patients’ experience and communication about their care. The three-star rating more accurately reflects the high-quality care we provide to our patients and is a great accomplishment for the UTMC team.”

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