More on the blurb:
Federal officials said they recognize that patients needing emergency care won't use the comparison Web site, nor should they. However, more than 60 percent of all patients go to a hospital for elective procedures.
The site will also help hospitals focus improvements where patients feel it is most needed, said Rich Umbdenstock, president and CEO of the American Hospital Association.
"Ultimately, this tool benefits everyone," Umbdenstock said.
Overall, federal officials said rural hospitals seemed to fare better