The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is falling short in ensuring the accuracy and completeness of hospital pricing data, according to a report released by the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) on Wednesday. This lack of oversight raises concerns about whether the data can effectively aid payers and patients in making informed healthcare decisions.

The report highlights that CMS does not regularly verify the accuracy or completeness of the pricing data hospitals are required to post publicly. This oversight has led to questions about the reliability of the data for those looking to compare healthcare services.

Stakeholders interviewed by the GAO expressed frustration with the current state of hospital pricing data, citing difficulties in accessing and comparing pricing information across different hospitals. Issues such as missing or incomplete data, inconsistent formatting, and the complexity of pricing structures were among the key barriers identified.

To address these challenges, the GAO has recommended that CMS revise its compliance review process and consider implementing more robust, cost-effective enforcement measures.