The Hospital Quality Alliance facilitates continuous improvement in patient care through:

• Implementing measures that portray the quality, cost and value of hospital care;
• Developing and using measure reporting in the nation's hospitals; and
• Sharing useful hospital performance information with the public.

Vision

Through its work and by collaborating with quality improvement organizations in other settings, the HQA envisions more efficient, equitable care at all levels of a patient's experience.  Through a consensus-based process, clinical quality, efficiency measures and pricing information that meets the needs and expectations of the general public, government and purchasers, and providers and practitioners will be available.  The availability and use of these data will spur positive changes in health care delivery and payment and a reduction in disparities in care.

Hospital Compare (www.HospitalCompare.hhs.gov) contains performance information about more than 4,000 hospitals and data are updated quarterly in approximately March, June, September, and December.  The HQA will continue to expand Hospital Compare to include additional measures that will help consumers assess hospital quality and value and make informed decisions about their care. 

HQA Principals