Methodology

For the ratings, U.S. News utilized data from CMS' Quality of Patient Care Star Ratings dataset and the Home Health Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HHCAHPS) survey. The Quality of Patient Care Star Ratings included measures on timely initiation of care and, improvement in ambulation, and more. The HHCAHPS reflects patient-reported experiences with professionalism of care, communication between providers and patients, and discussion of medications, pain, and home safety; and overall rating of care provided by the agency.

To be eligible for the ratings, home health agencies had to have a CMS Certification Number and have a Quality of Patient Care Star Rating, Patient Survey Rating, or both. Not all home health agencies had complete data for both CMS Star rating programs. For example, some smaller agencies and agencies serving specialized patient populations could be missing a Patient Survey Rating.

Each eligible agency was then assigned a U.S. News Score ranging from 1.0 to 5.0 and assigned to one of three categories: "High Performing" (recognized as a "Best Home Health" agency), "As Expected," and "Evaluated."

Where US News' best home health agencies are located

Out of a total of 12,157 home health agencies that were evaluated for the ratings:

• 1,319 were categorized as "High Performing" and recognized as a "Best Home Health" agency
• 5,288 were categorized as "As Expected"
• 1,317 were categorized as "Evaluated"
• 4,233 were not rated due to insufficient data

According to U.S. News, the home health agencies recognized as a "Best Home Health" agency began care on time for 99% of patients, which beat out the national average of 94%. In addition, 93% of patients who received care from a top-rated home health agency saw an improvement in walking and moving, compared to just 83% nationwide. Patients treated by a top-rated agency were also more likely to show improvement in getting out of bed, bathing themselves, and taking their medicines correctly compared to patients at other agencies nationwide.

"For patients recovering from surgery or managing a chronic condition, the quality of care they receive at home can be the difference between a successful recovery and a costly rehospitalization," said Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News. "Families often must make crucial post-acute care decisions during stressful times and on very short notice. These new ratings are intended to serve as a helpful starting point, offering a clear view of agencies that have demonstrated a track record of positive patient outcomes and satisfied consumers."

For the full list, click here.