LAFAYETTE, La., Nov. 27, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LHC Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: LHCG) continues to produce industry-leading quality and patient satisfaction scores, beating national averages and posting the largest quarter-to-quarter increase in average quality star rating among its peers – according to the latest Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Five-Star Quality Rating System results released in October 2018.
In evaluating the Q3 2018 scores, Jefferies Group LLC – a New York-based global investment bank and institutional securities firm that provides financial advisory services – separated LHC Group’s results based on its previous standalone businesses from its pro forma star ratings based on the April 2018 merger with Almost Family (AFAM).
LHC Group, excluding Almost Family providers, achieved a score of 4.52 in the quality category to lead industry peers (an improvement over its 4.48 score in the previous report). Excluding other recently acquired providers, LHC Group’s quality score was 4.74. This score significantly outperformed a national average of 3.28 for the quarter. In the patient satisfaction category, LHC Group providers scored at 4.20 – also tops among its peers and a favorable comparison to a national average of 3.48.
With all LHC Group providers included (pro forma), the company achieved a quality score of 4.15 and an industry-leading patient satisfaction rating of 3.93 in the October report – compared to national averages of 3.28 (quality) and 3.48 (patient satisfaction), respectively.
Jefferies analysts stated: “Our view is that as hospitals and physicians increase focus on performance based reimbursements, referral flows will continue to shift toward higher quality players.” With this in mind, they added that they expect LHC Group “… to continue delivering healthy, above-peers’ organic growth rates going forward.”
The Jefferies report once again highlighted the fact that LHC Group “…significantly outperformed the industry in the percentage of their facilities rating four stars and above.”
In addition, the Jefferies analysts noted: “Given LHCG’s track record of improving their star ratings, we believe legacy AFAM star ratings could reach LHCG’s level within 18 months, conservatively assuming the AFAM rate of improvement is only 50% as fast as what management delivered at standalone LHCG.”
“The ability to consistently deliver high quality care to the patients, families, physicians, referral sources, and healthcare partners in every community we serve will be the major indicator of success as our industry moves forward,” said Keith Myers, LHC Group chairman and CEO. “At every level of our organization, our team members have bought into this concept. Their hard work and passion for healthcare are why we continue to impress our patients, partners, peers, and independent observers with our scores.”
The CMS Five-Star Quality Rating System results are released quarterly and rank providers in two categories: “Quality of Patient Care” and “Patient Satisfaction.” The system was instituted by CMS as part of its Home Health Compare website to provide a “tool for consumers to use when choosing a home health care provider.”
To access more detailed information on the latest scores, visit Data.Medicare.gov.
About LHC Group, Inc.
LHC Group, Inc. is a national provider of in-home healthcare services and innovations, providing quality, value-based healthcare to patients primarily within the comfort and privacy of their home or place of residence. LHC Group’s services cover a wide range of healthcare needs for patients and families dealing with illness, injury, or chronic conditions. The company’s 32,000 employees deliver home health, hospice, home and community based services, and facility-based care from 780 locations in communities in 36 states. Through its healthcare innovations business, LHC Group drives increased utilization of home healthcare and enhances patient and caregiver engagement. LHC Group is the preferred in-home healthcare partner for 330 leading hospitals around the country.
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