If you want information on mortality measures for pneumonia or measures for hospital care of children, look no further than the Hospital Compare Web site—a popular tool that CMS initiated in March 2005 to assist individuals in making healthcare decisions. The Web site now includes this information to help consumers make informed decisions regarding where to receive care, according to an August 20 CMS press release.

Ask the expert: Where can I find more information on personal health records (PHR), specifically the new Medicare pilot program?

Since the implementation of Medicare Severity DRGs in October 2007, the volume of physician queries has undoubtedly increased. Many of these queries are warranted and consistent with the aims of greater specificity and accurate reporting of patient severity.