CMS’s plan to rate hospitals with stars – similar to how consumers are informed about the quality of restaurants or appliances – has wisely been put on hold by the federal government following concerns raised by the American Hospital Association, other provider groups, 60 U.S. Senators, along with 225 members of the House. CMS said it was delaying the star ratings on its Hospital Compare website from April 21 to at least July. Opposition focused on the fact that to judge if a hospital can provide high-quality care to them for a variety of procedures, consumers should rely on evidenced-based measures and consultations with their primary care providers and families – not on a lump-sum, one-to-four-star rating.