CMS Releases Data on Outpatient Costs and County-Level Medicare Spending
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released new data on hospital outpatient charges and, for the first time, county-level data on Medicare spending, utilization, and beneficiaries with chronic conditions. The data regarding hospital outpatient charges includes estimates for average charges for 30 hospital outpatient procedures, such as echocardiograms and clinic visits. The county-level Medicare data sets will allow researchers, among others, to better understand Medicare spending and service use, in turn, leading to increased innovation and transparency.
The press release regarding CMS’ and HHS’ release of new data is available by clicking here.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. “Secure Health Data Helping Patients, Doctors Improve Care and Health.” Press Release. 3 Jun. 2013.