July 17, 2009
The Five-Star Quality Ratings hotline has re-opened and will remain operational until July 30, federal healthcare regulators say. Directors at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services said they are expecting an uptick in calls from providers since quarterly quality measure ratings are included in this month's updates. The hotline, which now operates only on a quarterly basis, will remain open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time. Providers also can seek answers by e-mailing BetterCare@cms.hhs.gov. CMS sends Five-Star ratings updates each month to providers through their umbrella state sites supporting MDS information.