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.