Health First’s Viera Hospital Ranks Nationally With 5-Star Rating for Medicare Rating for Patient Experience

VIERA, Florida, March 21 -- Health First issued the following news release, dated March 14:

Health First's Viera Hospital has earned the highest rating of five stars for patient experience from the federal government. In 2015, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) first awarded Viera Hospital with a five-star rating. CMS released its current ratings in February 2019. Viera Hospital is:

* The only Brevard County hospital to receive five stars

* One of nine hospitals in the State of Florida to receive five stars

* One of 293 hospitals nationwide to receive five stars

CMS evaluated more than 4,500 hospitals nationwide, using the one- to five-star rating system for patient experience in an effort to make it easier for consumers to choose a hospital and understand the quality of care it delivers. A breakdown of the 2019 ratings includes:

* One star: 282 hospitals

* Two stars: 800 hospitals

* Three stars: 1,264 hospitals

* Four stars: 1,086 hospitals

* Five stars: 293 hospitals

"This is a true reflection of not only how wonderful Brevard is as a whole, but how dedicated these providers, associates and volunteers are to the community," said Stuart Mitchell, Health First's Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer. "Our customers know they can trust us to provide high-quality, compassionate care during their times of need. We are dedicated to improving our community's wellness and health - and these accolades are proof. We are proud to serve our family, friends and neighbors, right here in Brevard."

The five-star rating is reserved for the highest-performing hospitals in customer service and is based on patient experience scores reported in the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey. The survey covers topics such as how well doctors and nurses communicate with patients, how responsive hospital staff is to patient needs, how clean and quiet hospital environments are and how well patients are prepared for post-hospital settings.

About Health First: Founded in 1995, Health First is Brevard County's not-for-profit, community healthcare system. The fully Integrated Delivery Network (IDN) includes health insurance plans, hospitals, a multi-specialty medical group and outpatient and wellness services. As a locally owned, not-for-profit organization, Health First is committed to investing in our community. In 2017, Health First provided more than $159 million in community support. To learn more about Health First and how we are giving back to our community, please visit HFgivesback.org