Collecting Data
The data in this Web site reflects the latest survey results for Pennsylvania Hospitals and Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (ASFs). The inspection results are collected by the Department of Health during onsite evaluations (at least once during a 12 month period for ASFs and at least once during a 24 month period for hospitals) to ensure the patients receive quality care and services in a safe and comfortable environment in accordance with state regulations and rules established by the Health Care Financing Administration. Every attempt is made to assure the accuracy and timeliness of this information; however, the Department of Health advises interpreting this information cautiously and supplementing it with information from other sources.
The Complete Hospital/ASF Inspection
The data on this Web site refers to the regulatory requirement that the hospital/ASF failed to meet. The detailed inspection report (the form HCFA-2567) contains the specific findings that support the determination that the requirement was not met. A complete inspection report and the facility's corresponding plan of correction to address the deficiencies found during the inspection are available from the Department of Health. In addition, each facility that provides Medicare services is required to make the results of its last full inspection available onsite for public review.
The Results of the Inspection Report
It is important to consider that findings of inspections do not present a complete picture of the quality of care provided by the hospital/ASF. The inspection measures whether the facility meets the minimum standard for a particular set of requirements. If a facility has no deficiencies, it means that it met the minimum standards at the time of the inspection. However, this information cannot be used to identify facilities that provide outstanding care.