Head for the Hills?

Angie SzumlinskiFeatured, News

In the months leading to the implementation of a new Medicare payment model for skilled nursing facilities, various voices predicted an exodus of smaller, “mom-and-pop” operators who’d rather call it a career than adapt to a completely new reimbursement system. But only a few months after the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) took effect last fall, the effects of the COVID-19 …

Trump Administration Acts to Ensure Coverage of Life-Saving COVID-19 Vaccines & Therapeutics

Angie SzumlinskiAnnouncements

A press release from CMS contains information about a set of toolkits meant to help healthcare systems administer a COVID-19 vaccine when available, new plans to remove regulatory barriers and ensure coverage, and established new rules about vaccine payments. Their toolkits also hold specific information for several programs like Medicare, Medicaid, private plans, and several others. Click below to read …

CMS – Telehealth Update – August 4, 2020

Angie SzumlinskiAnnouncements, News

CMS is proposing changes to expand telehealth permanently, consistent with the Executive Order on Improving Rural and Telehealth Access that President Trump signed. The Executive Order and proposed rule advance our efforts to improve access and convenience of care for Medicare beneficiaries, particularly those living in rural areas. Additionally, the proposed rule implements a multi-year effort to reduce clinician burden …

National Incidence of Adverse Events Among Medicare Beneficiaries in Long-Term-Care Hospitals

Angie SzumlinskiHealth, News, Studies

The Inspector General performed an in-depth review of adverse events on a subset of people receiving care. A summary of their findings and recommendations is as follows: The Office of Inspector General (OIG) found that 21 percent of Medicare patients in Long-Term-Care Hospitals (LTCH) experienced adverse events, which are particularly serious instances of patient harm resulting from medical care.  The …