The shortage of nurses in the United States is well documented. As baby boom-generation nurses retire and others leave the profession because of burn-out, the shortage will continue to increase. What is not discussed as often in mainstream press is the shortage of physicians. The shortage of primary care doctors will have the most impact on people without insurance and people who'll need long term care, such as older Americans. Because a medical education is so expensive, many are opting to … [Read more...] about Primary Care Physician Shortage
CMS to Offer Nursing Home Quality of Care Incentive
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced last week that it will offer cash incentives to improve quality of care in nursing homes. CMS will ask Arizona, Mississippi, New York, and Wisconsin to participate. (Source) Quality of care areas include nurse staffing and the scope and severity of deficiency citations the home has received during inspections. Those with the highest scores/greatest performance will receive performance payment. Acting administrator Charlene … [Read more...] about CMS to Offer Nursing Home Quality of Care Incentive
Law, Health & Liberty Podcast–Andy Schlafly of the Association of American Physicians & Surgeons
This is Garlo Ward's second podcast. It now has a name, Law, Health & Liberty. Click on the title to see the podcast. I chose this name because I see my firm's job as protecting the liberty interests of health providers against the actions of government which undermine your ability to serve patients, consumers and residents. In this podcast, I interview Andy Schlafly , the General Counsel of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS) about sham peer review and the … [Read more...] about Law, Health & Liberty Podcast–Andy Schlafly of the Association of American Physicians & Surgeons
DADS Alerts: CLASS Clarification, Etc.
The Texas Department and Aging and Disability Services (DADS) notified Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS) providers that Form 8604, the Transition Assistance Services (TAS) Assessment and Authorization, has been replaced by Form 3621-A, CLASS Transition Assistance Services. See the TAS handbook for more information. DADS is offering new forms for programs like Deaf/Blind with Multiple Disabilities, Home and Community-based Services, and Intermediate Care Facilities for … [Read more...] about DADS Alerts: CLASS Clarification, Etc.
CMS Seeks to Improve Outpatient Quality of Care
Last week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a final rule that restates its commitment to implementing Value Based Purchasing incentives, one of which is to improve the quality of care with Medicare in hospital outpatient departments (HOPDs). CMS hopes to give hospitals an incentive to improve care by tying quality of care to payments. Kerry Weems, CMS acting administrator, said "In this final rule, we are continuing to pay appropriately for care while working with … [Read more...] about CMS Seeks to Improve Outpatient Quality of Care
CMS Announces Electronic Prescribing System
As the stereotype goes, physicians' handwriting is notoriously illegible. Last week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a new electronic prescribing system designed to eliminate medication errors caused by people misreading handwritten prescriptions. (Source) Kerry Weems, CMS acting administrator said "more than 1.5 million Americans are injured every year by drug errors. E-prescribing lets providers know—up front—their patients’ medication history and the … [Read more...] about CMS Announces Electronic Prescribing System
Information and Survey Letters: Impact of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued three information letters and three federal survey letters: Information Letters License Capacity in Adult Day Care (ADC) Day Activity and Health Services (DAHS) Facilities – DADS reminds providers that all licensed ADC facilities participating in the DAHS program must not exceed their licensed capacity. Download the letter for more information. Waiver Survey and Certification (WS&C) Process to Initiate Alternative … [Read more...] about Information and Survey Letters: Impact of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, Etc.
Provider and Information Letters: Two Surveys, Hurricane Ike, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued two provider and three information letters: Survey About Vehicles Used for Transportation of Individuals DADS requested that Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs) participate in a survey of providers regarding vehicles used to provide transportation of individuals enrolled in DADS programs. The deadline is October 1, 2008. Here is a direct link to the survey. Download the letter for more information. Regulatory … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: Two Surveys, Hurricane Ike, Etc.
CMS Reports Pay-for-Performance Pilot Success
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced last week that a pilot pay-for-performance program, which pays doctors based on quality of care, has lowered costs "in some cases" and improved quality of care for patients with congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, and diabetes. According to CMS, four of the 10 groups participating in the program reduced costs to patients and CMS spending by $17.4 million. Kerry Weems, acting administrator for CMS, said, "We are … [Read more...] about CMS Reports Pay-for-Performance Pilot Success
U.S. Hospitals Deporting Illegal Aliens?
The New York Times (via Kaiser Network) featured an article last Sunday about how U.S. hospitals are deporting uninsured illegal aliens, sending them back to their home countries for continued medical care. U.S. nursing homes are unwilling to take uninsured illegal aliens as patients, and Medicaid does not cover long-term care for them. Medicaid does cover a small portion of emergency services, however. According to federal law, hospitals that receive Medicare funds must transfer or refer … [Read more...] about U.S. Hospitals Deporting Illegal Aliens?
