The Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems is taking issue with State Auditor Doug Hoffer’s comments to the media following the release of a report on the availability of consumer information on health care services.
In a statement sent Thursday the hospital trade association wrote, “Contrary to the Auditor’s suggestions in news reports, however, hospitals are the leading advocates for overhauling the health care system.”
The comment that triggered the release, according to VAHHS government affairs specialist Jill Olson, was one Hoffer made to WCAX television, where he is quoted as saying Vermonters won’t find price or quality information from hospitals.
Olson pointed out that all of Vermont’s hospitals post links to quality and charge data available through the Department of Financial Regulation’s website. Though, as the auditor’s report states, fewer than 700 people visited the site last year.
Hospitals also work with the nonprofit Program for Vermont Health Care Quality – of which Olson is a board member – to assist the state in the publication of the hospital report cards, she said.
According to the group’s 2013 annual report, the responsibility for publishing those report cards will switch over to the Vermont Department of Health this year.
VHCQ will continue to work with the Department of Health to support public reporting of quality data at the hospital level including utilization rates for different procedures and preventable hospitalizations by geographic area. They will continue to “explore” options for an online consumer tool, according to the report.
“One key recommendation is a transition to a reporting format that is more accessible and user-friendly to consumers, yet has the ability to integrate diverse indicators on one site,” the report states.
Olson said Vermont hospitals are a hub of reform in the state’s health care system.
“We are unalterably committed to being the leading advocates for health care reforms that make health care more affordable and accessible for everyone, while improving the health of Vermonters and strengthening our economy,” the VAHHS statement concludes.
