The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a memorandum with information on the final rule streamlining telemedicine credentialing in hospitals and critical access hospitals (CAHs).
To read the memorandum, click here:
http://www.namss.org/Portals/0/Advocacy/CMS%20Final%20Rule%20-%20CAH.pdf
Source: CMS
Showing posts with label Hospital. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hospital. Show all posts
Friday, July 22, 2011
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Cardiologists Seek Supreme Court Review of Economic Credentialing Case
Three cardiologists have petitioned the US Supreme Court to review an appellate court decision finding that they did not have a claim against a hospital that had allegedly terminated their privileges based on their refusal to refer patients to the hospital's only cardiac surgeon. (Gaalia v. Citizens Medical Center).
The cardiologists claimed that in 2007, they refused to refer patients to Citizens Medical Center's cardiac surgeon because the surgeon's mortality rate exeeded that of other surgeons in the area. They claimed that CMC took action against them, imposing an on-call duty requirement that they were unable to fulfill, essentially leading to the termination of their privileges. They claimed that under the federal Anti-Kickback Act, the hospital wrongfully terminated their privileges under a practice of economic credentialing.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled that CMC had a rational basis for terminating the cardiologists' privileges and that the hospital committed no violation. The cardiologists are seeking review of the decision by the Supreme Court, stating that the healthcare industry needs clarification on when the federal anti-kickback statute applies.
Source: BNA
The cardiologists claimed that in 2007, they refused to refer patients to Citizens Medical Center's cardiac surgeon because the surgeon's mortality rate exeeded that of other surgeons in the area. They claimed that CMC took action against them, imposing an on-call duty requirement that they were unable to fulfill, essentially leading to the termination of their privileges. They claimed that under the federal Anti-Kickback Act, the hospital wrongfully terminated their privileges under a practice of economic credentialing.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled that CMC had a rational basis for terminating the cardiologists' privileges and that the hospital committed no violation. The cardiologists are seeking review of the decision by the Supreme Court, stating that the healthcare industry needs clarification on when the federal anti-kickback statute applies.
Source: BNA
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Top Metro Hospital Rankings Released
US News & World Report has released rankings for the top metropolitan hospitals in the nation. The list supplements the publication's annual list of Best Hospitals.
Forty-six hospitals made the list after being assessed on criteria such as reputation, specialty offerings, standing as a teaching hospital, and patient safety. The work of MSPs plays a huge role in the recognition of these facilities. MSPs are responsible for being the first-line of defense against providers who may be unfit to provide quality care. We also help hospitals maintain the quality data that can be used to catch and remedy medical error rates.
Congratulations to fellow MSPs who work in the nation’s top hospitals recognized in this ranking. Your contributions and support of the medical staff are a very important part of this national recognition.
To see the rankings, click here:
http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area
Source: US News & World Report
Forty-six hospitals made the list after being assessed on criteria such as reputation, specialty offerings, standing as a teaching hospital, and patient safety. The work of MSPs plays a huge role in the recognition of these facilities. MSPs are responsible for being the first-line of defense against providers who may be unfit to provide quality care. We also help hospitals maintain the quality data that can be used to catch and remedy medical error rates.
Congratulations to fellow MSPs who work in the nation’s top hospitals recognized in this ranking. Your contributions and support of the medical staff are a very important part of this national recognition.
To see the rankings, click here:
http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area
Source: US News & World Report
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Hospital Corporation Settles with Families of Hurricane Katrina Victims
Tenet Healthcare Corp. has settled with the families of patients who died at Memorial Medical Center in New Orleans, LA following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The families filed a class action lawsuit against the corporation, claiming that the hospital was not prepared to provide patient care in an emergency.
The suit also claimed that Memorial Medical failed to implement a plan for evacuating patients, leaving several patients in the hospital for days without power or life support as the temperature of the facility rose. Since these claims had been circulated in the news, Tenet claimed that it would have been impossible to find an impartial jury in the New Orleans area.
The details of the settlement will not be disclosed until it is approved by the court.
Source: Bloomberg
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-23/tenet-healthcare-settles-class-action-lawsuit-over-katrina-hospital-deaths.html
The suit also claimed that Memorial Medical failed to implement a plan for evacuating patients, leaving several patients in the hospital for days without power or life support as the temperature of the facility rose. Since these claims had been circulated in the news, Tenet claimed that it would have been impossible to find an impartial jury in the New Orleans area.
The details of the settlement will not be disclosed until it is approved by the court.
Source: Bloomberg
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-23/tenet-healthcare-settles-class-action-lawsuit-over-katrina-hospital-deaths.html
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Medical Staff Elects Nurse Practitioner as President
The title "director of emergency medicine and president of the medical staff" usually evokes the image of a physician. However, in Ellenville Regional Hospital in New York, it is a nurse practitioner who holds that title.
Bob Donaldson is a nurse practitioner who has attending status in Ellenville Regional's emergency room. He is part of an innovative structure that replaced all ER doctors with nurse practitioners and physician assistants -- and has increased admissions since making the change.
When the hospital had difficulty attracting volunteers to run for the medical staff leadership position, Donaldson volunteered and was elected president.
As the number of nurse practitioners and physicians assistants in the hospital setting continues to rise, it will be interesting to see if more and more non-physicians begin to assume medical staff leadership roles.
To read the full article, click here:
http://www.healthleadersmedia.com/page-3/NRS-262335/Nurse-Practitioner-Elected-Medical-Staff-President
Source: HealthLeaders Media
Bob Donaldson is a nurse practitioner who has attending status in Ellenville Regional's emergency room. He is part of an innovative structure that replaced all ER doctors with nurse practitioners and physician assistants -- and has increased admissions since making the change.
When the hospital had difficulty attracting volunteers to run for the medical staff leadership position, Donaldson volunteered and was elected president.
As the number of nurse practitioners and physicians assistants in the hospital setting continues to rise, it will be interesting to see if more and more non-physicians begin to assume medical staff leadership roles.
To read the full article, click here:
http://www.healthleadersmedia.com/page-3/NRS-262335/Nurse-Practitioner-Elected-Medical-Staff-President
Source: HealthLeaders Media
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Patient Deaths at CA Facility Allegedly a Result of Substandard Care
A discrimination lawsuit filed by a medical assistant and two cardiologists attributes a 2009 patient death to substandard care. Furthermore, the suit alleges that the level of substandard care was permitted to continue because they were "ignored, embarrassed, or terminated" for reporting problem.
The suit, filed against Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in California, alleges that after Dr. Geeta Singh suggested that a patient undergo a cardiac catherization rather than a stress test due to his history of heart attack. The patient was given a stress test and later died. After Singh and administrative assistant Theresa Walker submitted a report of substandard care to TJC, they claim that they were ignored by other members of the staff and abused through e-mail.
Dr. Kai Ihnken is also a plaintiff in the suit, alleging that administrators denied him the ability to perform cardiac surgery, leading to the patient's death. After reporting the incident, he claims that he was slandered and his contract was not renewed.
The Santa Clara County Executive stated that examiners have found no direct link indicating that negligence caused the patients' deaths; however, he did acknowledge that the hospital's cardiac department was prone to conflict and arguments.
This pending case sheds light on the importance of maintaining professional working relationships among members. It also calls on hospitals to look at their staff culture and to see if employees and members of the medical staff are provided with a comfortable environment that allows them to speak up if they witness an adverse event.
Source: MercuryNews.com
http://www.mercurynews.com/crime-courts/ci_16438955?source=email&nclick_check=1
The suit, filed against Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in California, alleges that after Dr. Geeta Singh suggested that a patient undergo a cardiac catherization rather than a stress test due to his history of heart attack. The patient was given a stress test and later died. After Singh and administrative assistant Theresa Walker submitted a report of substandard care to TJC, they claim that they were ignored by other members of the staff and abused through e-mail.
Dr. Kai Ihnken is also a plaintiff in the suit, alleging that administrators denied him the ability to perform cardiac surgery, leading to the patient's death. After reporting the incident, he claims that he was slandered and his contract was not renewed.
The Santa Clara County Executive stated that examiners have found no direct link indicating that negligence caused the patients' deaths; however, he did acknowledge that the hospital's cardiac department was prone to conflict and arguments.
This pending case sheds light on the importance of maintaining professional working relationships among members. It also calls on hospitals to look at their staff culture and to see if employees and members of the medical staff are provided with a comfortable environment that allows them to speak up if they witness an adverse event.
Source: MercuryNews.com
http://www.mercurynews.com/crime-courts/ci_16438955?source=email&nclick_check=1
Friday, October 22, 2010
VA Hospitals Implementing Airline Safety Tips
A study of over 108 Veterans Health Administration Hospitals showed an increased drop in patient deaths in facilities that implemented error prevention strategies created by airlines and NASA. Of the 108 facilities, the 74 that implemented the strategies had an 18 percent drop in deaths, compared to a 7 percent drop in facilities that did not implement them.
The Medical Team Training program was targeted at surgical teams, encouraging communication among members of the team, challenging each other to abide by safety practices, and encouraging the use of checklists in preoperative and postoperative briefings. Miscommunication among team members was identified by the aviation industry as a large factor contributing to errors.
The full study can be found in the October 20 Journal of the American Medical Association.
Source: Bloomberg Businessweek
http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/644661.html
The Medical Team Training program was targeted at surgical teams, encouraging communication among members of the team, challenging each other to abide by safety practices, and encouraging the use of checklists in preoperative and postoperative briefings. Miscommunication among team members was identified by the aviation industry as a large factor contributing to errors.
The full study can be found in the October 20 Journal of the American Medical Association.
Source: Bloomberg Businessweek
http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/644661.html
Monday, October 18, 2010
Arkansas Court Strikes Down Economic Credentialing
The Arkansas Supreme Court upheld a 2009 decision stating that a hospital could not deny staff privileges to physicians with an ownership stake in competing hospital based on financial concerns because this policy violates state laws.
Baptist Health in Little Rock, Arkansas denied staff privileges to 12 physicians stating that its conflict of interest policy permitted the hospital to do so because of the economic interests of the facility.
Organizations such as the American Medical Association joined the physicians as plaintiffs, stating that restricting physician practice through economic credentialing restricts patient choice and that physicians should be evaluated on performance, not financial factors.
This is the highest court decision issued on the subject of economic credentialing. The AMA states that it is an issue that if challenged again, will be determined on a state-by-state basis.
Source: amednews.com
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/10/18/prsc1018.htm
Baptist Health in Little Rock, Arkansas denied staff privileges to 12 physicians stating that its conflict of interest policy permitted the hospital to do so because of the economic interests of the facility.
Organizations such as the American Medical Association joined the physicians as plaintiffs, stating that restricting physician practice through economic credentialing restricts patient choice and that physicians should be evaluated on performance, not financial factors.
This is the highest court decision issued on the subject of economic credentialing. The AMA states that it is an issue that if challenged again, will be determined on a state-by-state basis.
Source: amednews.com
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/10/18/prsc1018.htm
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Even Hospitals Aren't Immune to Bed Bugs
Nationally, residences, businesses, and even federal offices have been dealing with a resurgence of bed bug infestations. Now it appears that even hospitals are receiving visits from the pests.
Lenoir Memorial Hospital in Kinston, North Carolina recently had to implement a policy to prevent the spread of bedbugs in the facility. After exterminating and treating a room that had become infested, LMH imposed a policy that prohibits patients and visitors from bringing outside bedding into the facility, including blankets and pillows.
Hospitals have had to implement policies to prevent the spread of infections. If the number of reported infestations continues to increase, it may not be long until bed bug policies becoming common in facilities.
To read the full article, click here:
http://www.enctoday.com/news/bugs-68426-kfpress-bed-memorial.html
Source: encToday.com
Lenoir Memorial Hospital in Kinston, North Carolina recently had to implement a policy to prevent the spread of bedbugs in the facility. After exterminating and treating a room that had become infested, LMH imposed a policy that prohibits patients and visitors from bringing outside bedding into the facility, including blankets and pillows.
Hospitals have had to implement policies to prevent the spread of infections. If the number of reported infestations continues to increase, it may not be long until bed bug policies becoming common in facilities.
To read the full article, click here:
http://www.enctoday.com/news/bugs-68426-kfpress-bed-memorial.html
Source: encToday.com
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Former CEO of LA Hospital Sentenced for Role in Billing Scheme
On August 31, Rudra Sabaratnam, former CEO of the now-defunct City of Angels Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA was sentenced to two years in prison and ordered to pay $4.1 million in restitution for his role in a Medicare and Medi-Cal billing scheme (US v. Sabaratnam).
Sabaratnam, along with former board chairman Robert Bourseau, paid an employee of a homeless recruitment center in the "Skid Row" district of Los Angeles to refer homeless patients to the City of Angels Medical Center for unnecessary inpatient treatment so that the facility could bill Medicare and Medi-Cal. Bourseau was sentenced earlier this year for his role.
Often reports of fraudulent Medicare billing involve physicians and other providers. This case serves as a reminder that corruption and abuse of power can occur at all levels of healthcare delivery -- from the provider to the administrator.
Source: BNA
Sabaratnam, along with former board chairman Robert Bourseau, paid an employee of a homeless recruitment center in the "Skid Row" district of Los Angeles to refer homeless patients to the City of Angels Medical Center for unnecessary inpatient treatment so that the facility could bill Medicare and Medi-Cal. Bourseau was sentenced earlier this year for his role.
Often reports of fraudulent Medicare billing involve physicians and other providers. This case serves as a reminder that corruption and abuse of power can occur at all levels of healthcare delivery -- from the provider to the administrator.
Source: BNA
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Minnesota Nurses Announce Plans for New Strike
The Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) has filed a 10-day notice for a strike to begin on July 6 and last indefinitely. 10,000 of the MNA's nurses already held a one-day strike on June 21. The strike notice was filed as the union continues to negotiate a new labor and pension agreement with Twin Cities Hospital system, which serves the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.
Some observers believe that the 10-day strike notice is a tactic by the MNA to pressure the hospital system into an agreement before the July 6 deadline.
Hospitals were able to maintain care during the June strike by bringing in over 2,000 temporary staff members for a single day. The threat of an open-ended strike is a bigger concern for potentially affected hospitals, which must figure out how to remain open and maintain continuity in patient care should its nursing staff go on strike.
Source: StarTribune.com
http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/health/97166854.html?elr=KArks7PYDiaK7DUvckD_V_jEyhD:UiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU
Some observers believe that the 10-day strike notice is a tactic by the MNA to pressure the hospital system into an agreement before the July 6 deadline.
Hospitals were able to maintain care during the June strike by bringing in over 2,000 temporary staff members for a single day. The threat of an open-ended strike is a bigger concern for potentially affected hospitals, which must figure out how to remain open and maintain continuity in patient care should its nursing staff go on strike.
Source: StarTribune.com
http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/health/97166854.html?elr=KArks7PYDiaK7DUvckD_V_jEyhD:UiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU
Thursday, June 10, 2010
12,000 Minnesota Nurses Go on Strike
12,000 nurses in Minnesota went on strike today in what has been reported as the largest nursing strike in US history. The Minnesota Nurses Association voted to approve the one-day strike last month after the union failed to reach a staffing agreement with Twin Cities Hospitals, a 14-hospital system located in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.
The staffing plan proposed by Twin Cities Hospitals would allow hospitals to float nurses between departments to meet staffing needs. The MNA argued that this plan would lead to inconsistency in patient care and would burden an already stretched nursing staff. Twin Cities Hospitals argued that the staffing model proposed by the MNA was too costly in a time where hospitals are being asked to implement new technology while facing funding cuts.
Twin Cities hired temporary nurses to ensure that its facilities could remain open during the strike. The striking nurses are scheduled to return to work at 7 AM on June 11.
The Minnesota strike occurred as California nurses agreed to comply with a judge's temporary order stopping a strike against the University of California hospital system. The California strike was expected involve 12,000 nurses.
Source: ABC News
http://abcnews.go.com/Business/thousands-nurses-strike-minnesota/story?id=10875712
The staffing plan proposed by Twin Cities Hospitals would allow hospitals to float nurses between departments to meet staffing needs. The MNA argued that this plan would lead to inconsistency in patient care and would burden an already stretched nursing staff. Twin Cities Hospitals argued that the staffing model proposed by the MNA was too costly in a time where hospitals are being asked to implement new technology while facing funding cuts.
Twin Cities hired temporary nurses to ensure that its facilities could remain open during the strike. The striking nurses are scheduled to return to work at 7 AM on June 11.
The Minnesota strike occurred as California nurses agreed to comply with a judge's temporary order stopping a strike against the University of California hospital system. The California strike was expected involve 12,000 nurses.
Source: ABC News
http://abcnews.go.com/Business/thousands-nurses-strike-minnesota/story?id=10875712
Monday, May 17, 2010
HASC Proposes Coordinated Care System
A proposal by the Hospital Association of Southern California (HASC) calls for the formation of a single foundation that would supply hospitals in the area with physicians and centralized administrative functions. The foundation would work with various physician groups and contract physicians on behalf of several hospitals. HASC says that the creation of a single foundation working with several hospitals, which is different from the current system where each hospital usually has its own foundation, would promote efficiency and better coordinated care.
The plan has raised some concerns from those who believe that the plan limits competition by area physicians who are not part of the foundation. HASC argues that competition will not be harmed since hospitals would not acquire their whole workforce from the foundation. The foundation will primarily help smaller facilities that have a harder time recruiting physicians.
The proposed plan has not been passed, but it does highlight the changing relationships between hospitals and physicians and the impact that it can have on the healthcare market.
The following article from The Wall Street Journal outlines the HASC plan and the arguments for and against it: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB20001424052748703950804575242612111844970.html
Source: The Wall Street Journal
The plan has raised some concerns from those who believe that the plan limits competition by area physicians who are not part of the foundation. HASC argues that competition will not be harmed since hospitals would not acquire their whole workforce from the foundation. The foundation will primarily help smaller facilities that have a harder time recruiting physicians.
The proposed plan has not been passed, but it does highlight the changing relationships between hospitals and physicians and the impact that it can have on the healthcare market.
The following article from The Wall Street Journal outlines the HASC plan and the arguments for and against it: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB20001424052748703950804575242612111844970.html
Source: The Wall Street Journal
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Physician Specialties Generating Hospital Revenue
Modern Physician reports that the 2010 Merrit Hawkins Physician Inpatient/Outpatient Revenue Survey reported that the 17 physician specialties experienced a 3% increase in average annual net revenue generated since 2007. In 2010, the specialties reported an average annual net revenue of $1.54 million for their hospitals.
The article emphasizes that although the specialties may be revenue generating, hospitals must remember that health reform incentives will be based on the availability of access to primary care and preventative services. The survey results, which reported a drop in primary-care revenue, may look completely different in a few years once the health reform provisions are implemented.
To read the full article, click here (free subscription required): http://www.modernhealthcare.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100510/MODERNPHYSICIAN/305109954/-1
Source: Modernphysician.com
The article emphasizes that although the specialties may be revenue generating, hospitals must remember that health reform incentives will be based on the availability of access to primary care and preventative services. The survey results, which reported a drop in primary-care revenue, may look completely different in a few years once the health reform provisions are implemented.
To read the full article, click here (free subscription required): http://www.modernhealthcare.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100510/MODERNPHYSICIAN/305109954/-1
Source: Modernphysician.com
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Hospitals Eligible for Medical Resident Tax Refunds Filed before April 1, 2005
According to an IRS announcement, institutions that filed FICA tax refund claims for medical residents in tax years ending before April 1, 2005 will be granted their claims, despite the current policy which bars the refunds.
Prior to April 1, 2005, residents qualified for "student" status tax exemption for services performed "incident to and for the purpose of pursuing a course of study." However, this exemption did not apply to residents, who were considered "full-time employees," and they were subject to a a FICA employment tax on their wages. Several teaching hospitals had challenged their rejected claims in appellate court, with some courts granting the claims, and others siding with the IRS.
The current Treasury Regulations, which went into effect on April 1, 2005, treat medical residents as full-time employees subject to the FICA tax, and ineligible for refunds. The IRS' announcement states that those teaching hospitals that filed claims for their residents prior to the April 1, 2005 regulation will be contacted by the IRS with steps on how to obtain their refunds.
Source: Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
http://www.drinkerbiddle.com/files/Publication/1c626356-c522-4ffe-bed5-03a1aa5f896a/Presentation/PublicationAttachment/0caefbae-ed4d-4832-bfaf-06ed5befb4d2/Medical_Residents.pdf
Prior to April 1, 2005, residents qualified for "student" status tax exemption for services performed "incident to and for the purpose of pursuing a course of study." However, this exemption did not apply to residents, who were considered "full-time employees," and they were subject to a a FICA employment tax on their wages. Several teaching hospitals had challenged their rejected claims in appellate court, with some courts granting the claims, and others siding with the IRS.
The current Treasury Regulations, which went into effect on April 1, 2005, treat medical residents as full-time employees subject to the FICA tax, and ineligible for refunds. The IRS' announcement states that those teaching hospitals that filed claims for their residents prior to the April 1, 2005 regulation will be contacted by the IRS with steps on how to obtain their refunds.
Source: Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
http://www.drinkerbiddle.com/files/Publication/1c626356-c522-4ffe-bed5-03a1aa5f896a/Presentation/PublicationAttachment/0caefbae-ed4d-4832-bfaf-06ed5befb4d2/Medical_Residents.pdf
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
ABMS Plans to Launch Hospital Medicine Board Certification
Modern Healthcare reports that the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) plans to launch a five-year pilot program offering physicians board certification in hospital medicine.
After obtaining certification as internists, physicians would seek hospital medicine certification before their 10-year internal medicine certification expires.
The new certification would focus on knowledge and skills obtained through practice in the hospital setting.
Source: Modern Healthcare
http://www.modernhealthcare.com/article/20090929/REG/309299979
After obtaining certification as internists, physicians would seek hospital medicine certification before their 10-year internal medicine certification expires.
The new certification would focus on knowledge and skills obtained through practice in the hospital setting.
Source: Modern Healthcare
http://www.modernhealthcare.com/article/20090929/REG/309299979
Friday, August 28, 2009
Nonprofit Hospital Executive Shares Health Reform Worries
Charles J. Barnett, chief executive of the Seton Family of Hospitals, a nonprofit hospital group in Texas, shared his concerns about challenges hospitals may face after the health care overhaul takes place.
Barnett believes that providing coverage to the uninsured is only the first step to reform; however, he worries about access being compromised if the physician shortage continues and if the new policies create reduced revenue for hospitals.
Barnett isn't the only one worrying. Hospital executives nationwide have been wary of reform proposals offered by the Obama administration and Congress, fearing that unintended effects of the change will actually hinder, rather than help hospitals provide care to their communities.
For the full article, click here:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/28/AR2009082801876_2.html?hpid=topnews.
Source: The Washington Post
Barnett believes that providing coverage to the uninsured is only the first step to reform; however, he worries about access being compromised if the physician shortage continues and if the new policies create reduced revenue for hospitals.
Barnett isn't the only one worrying. Hospital executives nationwide have been wary of reform proposals offered by the Obama administration and Congress, fearing that unintended effects of the change will actually hinder, rather than help hospitals provide care to their communities.
For the full article, click here:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/28/AR2009082801876_2.html?hpid=topnews.
Source: The Washington Post
CMS Continues Recognition of AOA Deeming Authority for Hospitals
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has published an announcement in the August 28, 2009 Federal Register approving continued recognition of the American Osteopathic Association's (AOA) deeming authority for hospitals. The renewed deeming authority runs from September 25, 2009 to September 25, 2013.
CMS has determined that the AOA's standards and survey process "meet or exceed" the Medicare Conditions of Participation for hospitals. The announcement includes several changes that the AOA made to its requirements in order to become more aligned with the CoPs.
To read the full announcement, click here:
http://frwebgate2.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/PDFgate.cgi?WAISdocID=i2sENl/0/2/0&WAISaction=retrieve.
Source: Federal Register
CMS has determined that the AOA's standards and survey process "meet or exceed" the Medicare Conditions of Participation for hospitals. The announcement includes several changes that the AOA made to its requirements in order to become more aligned with the CoPs.
To read the full announcement, click here:
http://frwebgate2.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/PDFgate.cgi?WAISdocID=i2sENl/0/2/0&WAISaction=retrieve.
Source: Federal Register
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Hospitals Agree to Contribute $155 Billion to Cover the Uninsured
The Washington Post reports that the American Hospital Association, the Federation of American Hospitals, and the Catholic Health Association have agreed to contribute $155 billion over the next ten years to help provide coverage for the uninsured.
By agreeing to the plan, which involved discussions with members of the Obama Administration and Senate Finance Committee, the hospital associations recognized that they will receive lower payments for services under Medicare and Medicaid and for services provided to the uninsured.
The agreement follows a similar revenue reduction agreement reached with pharmaceutical companies made two weeks ago.
To read the full article, click here:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/06/AR2009070604053.html?hpid=topnews
Source: The Washington Post
By agreeing to the plan, which involved discussions with members of the Obama Administration and Senate Finance Committee, the hospital associations recognized that they will receive lower payments for services under Medicare and Medicaid and for services provided to the uninsured.
The agreement follows a similar revenue reduction agreement reached with pharmaceutical companies made two weeks ago.
To read the full article, click here:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/06/AR2009070604053.html?hpid=topnews
Source: The Washington Post
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