ST. MARYS — The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has released new data, comparing home health agencies across the country.

The report indicates Penn Highlands Elk Home Health Services had exceptional performance, earning four and five stars for excellence in patient satisfaction.

The Community Nurses of Penn Highlands Elk and the Penn Highlands Clearfield Home Health Services both received five out of five stars. The home health departments of Penn Highlands DuBois and Penn Highlands Brookville received four stars. All the facilities scored above the national average in professionalism, communication with family, and overall care.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services began its home health rating system — called Home Health Compare — in July of 2015 as a way for consumers to make informed decisions. The agency uses data from Medicare claims and patient satisfaction surveys.

“We are delighted to be among the top percentile of home health providers in the nation,” said Brenda Porter, service line director for Penn Highlands’ home care services. “We are working to ensure all patients across the Penn Highlands Healthcare service area receive the highest-quality care and the most positive personal experience.”

Home health clinicians care for people returning home from the hospital and for people requiring in-home support from chronic conditions or terminal illness. That care may be provided by any or all of the following specialists: nurses, physical, occupational or speech therapists, social workers, dietitians, aides or bereavement counselors.

For more information about home health services at Penn Highlands Healthcare, visit www.phhealthcare.org or www.communitynurses.org.