MedWorm: Medicaid

States Face Health Spending Cuts

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

The Boston Globe: "President Obama's demand to delete 'special deals' in the health care package would eliminate $500 million in extra Medicaid cash for Massachusetts, but Bay State lawmakers say they are confident the state would recoup that and probably more once negotiations are complete. Obama, facing an electorate angry over side deals in the massive package, has told congressional leaders to remove them to make the proposal more salable to the public... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Montana Gov. Seeks To Buy State's Prescription Drugs From Canada; Settlement Reached For Ground Zero Workers

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

"Gov. Brian Schweitzer [D-Mont.] said Thursday that he is seeking federal permission to import cheaper drugs from Canada for use in state insurance programs," The Associated Press/The New York Times reports. "Schweitzer said he thinks the move could chop 40 percent off the $100 million the state spends each year on prescription drugs for Medicaid, the children's health insurance program, state employees, and inmates at the prison. ... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Texas Rethinks Disease Management Program

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Texas Tribune: Since 2004 Texas has run a disease management program they believed would improve care for Medicaid patients and save the state money. "The company said it would use persistent phone calls, a 24-hour hotline, and house visits if necessary to persuade Medicaid patients to take better care of themselves, saving the state an estimated $14 million a year in hospitalizations and other costs."Texas went ahead with their program even though similar programs in many other states were not proven successful... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Texas Rethinks Disease Management Program

Public Health News From Medical News Today — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Texas Tribune: Since 2004 Texas has run a disease management program they believed would improve care for Medicaid patients and save the state money... (Source: Public Health News From Medical News Today)

Obama Won't Back Senator Projects In Health Bill

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 14:04:09 +0100

President Barack Obama says he wants projects helping specific states yanked from the health care bill Congress is writing. Democratic senators, being senators, beg to differ. The Senate-approved health measure lawmakers hope to send to Obama soon would steer $600 million over the next decade to Vermont in added federal payments for Medicaid and nearly as much to Massachusetts. (Source: WBZ-TV - Breaking News, Weather and Sports for Boston, Worcester and New Hampshire)

Strengthening the Long-Term Care Workforce: The Influence of the WIN A STEP UP Workplace Intervention on the Turnover of Direct Care Workers

Journal of Applied Gerontology — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:19:35 +0100

In this study, the authors examine the impact of a workforce intervention program (Workforce Improvement for Nursing Assistants: Supporting Training, Education, and Payment for Upgrading Performance [WIN A STEP UP]) on turnover rates of direct care workers in nursing homes. Using data collected yearly between 2002 and 2006 from 405 nursing homes in North Carolina, the authors employ random effects modeling to predict a dichotomous outcome of "above-average" versus "below-average" turnover. Results indicate that nursing homes participating in the WIN A STEP UP program are 15% more likely to have below-average turnover than are nonparticipating nursing homes. Organizational factors such as ownership type and Medicaid participation also influenced turnover, whereas labor market factors had no...

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Low-Income Health Access Open Door Forum

Rural events via the Rural Assistance Center — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 19:14:38 +0100

Mar 23, 2010. Hubert H. Humphrey Building, Washington, DC. Sponsored by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (Source: Rural events via the Rural Assistance Center)

CMS Home Health, Hospice & DME Open Door Forum

Rural events via the Rural Assistance Center — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 19:11:09 +0100

Apr 14, 2010. Hubert H. Humphrey Building, Washington, DC. Sponsored by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (Source: Rural events via the Rural Assistance Center)

Physicians, Nurses & Allied Health Professionals Open Door Forum

Rural events via the Rural Assistance Center — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:27:03 +0100

Apr 13, 2010. Hubert H. Humphrey Building, Washington, DC. Sponsored by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (Source: Rural events via the Rural Assistance Center)

Does Medicare 'Doughnut Hole' Spur Increase In Foreign Drug Imports?

Seniors / Aging News From Medical News Today — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 11:00:00 +0100

Medill Reports: "Unless federal legislation closes the Medicare coverage gap colloquially known as the 'doughnut hole,' seniors may opt for online drug imports to alleviate steep prescription costs. ... 'As seniors start falling into the doughnut hole, they are going online to find deals on prescription drugs, whether they're based in the U.S... (Source: Seniors / Aging News From Medical News Today)

Antiabortion Amendments Stalling Unrelated Bills In Ky. House

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 11:00:00 +0100

Two Republican members of Kentucky's House are attaching antiabortion-rights amendments to several unrelated bills that are awaiting a chamber vote, a move that is threatening to derail changes related to children's Medicaid coverage, among other things, the Lexington Herald-Leader reports. The amendments -- sponsored by Reps. David Floyd and Tim Moore -- would require abortion providers to conduct an ultrasound and show the woman the image. The amendments also would require counseling prior to an abortion. As of Tuesday evening, at least six bills were stalled because of the amendments... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Does Medicare 'Doughnut Hole' Spur Increase In Foreign Drug Imports?

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 11:00:00 +0100

Medill Reports: "Unless federal legislation closes the Medicare coverage gap colloquially known as the 'doughnut hole,' seniors may opt for online drug imports to alleviate steep prescription costs. ... 'As seniors start falling into the doughnut hole, they are going online to find deals on prescription drugs, whether they're based in the U.S. or in other countries,' said Gabriel Levitt, vice president of PharmacyChecker.com LLC, a leader in the evaluation of online and mail-order pharmacies in both the U.S. and abroad... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Antiabortion Amendments Stalling Unrelated Bills In Ky. House

Pediatrics News From Medical News Today — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 11:00:00 +0100

Medicare Ends Contract With Fox Insurance Company Drug Plan

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 03:00:00 +0100

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today terminated its contract with Fox Insurance Company. After an onsite review of the plan and its services, CMS determined that the plan's significant deficiencies - not meeting Medicare's requirements to provide enrollees with prescription drugs according to recognized standards of care - jeopardized the health and safety of Fox enrollees. CMS found that Fox committed a series of violations, including improperly denying its enrollees coverage of critical HIV, cancer, and seizure medications... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Ga. hospitals slammed by new budget cuts

bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:54:16 +0100

Georgia hospitals would be hit with double-digit Medicaid reimbursement cuts and nonprofit hospitals would lose their state sales tax exemption under a new round of budget reductions announced Thursday by Gov. Sonny Perdue. (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines)

Hospitals feeling out voters on soda-liquor tax hike

bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:31:33 +0100

Arizona’s hospitals are looking at a possible November ballot measure to raise state soda, beer, wine and liquor taxes to offset deep budget cuts to the state’s version of Medicaid and other programs. (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines)

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Premier submits comments on proposed EHR "meaningful use" rule

Healthcare IT News Press Releases — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:21:04 +0100

Premier has urged the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to modify the proposed rule on the Medicare and Medicaid electronic health records (EHR) incentive program to ensure that hospitals and other healthcare providers can reasonably achieve "meaningful use" of EHRs and qualify for the incentives. (Source: Healthcare IT News Press Releases)

President Announces Plans To Crack Down On Health Care Fraud

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:00:00 +0100

The Boston Globe: "President Barack Obama said Tuesday he'll bring in high-tech bounty hunters to help root out health care fraud, grabbing a populist idea with bipartisan backing in his final push to overhaul the system. ... Obama's anti-fraud announcement was aimed directly at the political middle." "Waste and fraud are pervasive problems for Medicare and Medicaid. ... Improper payments -- in the wrong amounts, to the wrong person or for the wrong reason -- totaled an estimated $54 billion in 2009. ... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Senate Poised To Pass COBRA Subsidy Extension, Medicare 'Doc Fix'

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:00:00 +0100

The Senate is set to vote Wednesday on a jobs bill that would extend the COBRA subsidy program and Medicaid funding for states and prevent a Medicare reimbursement cut for doctors. The Associated Press: The bill "extends health insurance subsidies for the unemployed through December. It would add $132 billion to the budget deficit over the next year and a half. ... In states with the highest jobless rates people are eligible to receive benefits for up to 99 weeks. A 65 percent health insurance subsidy for the unemployed under the COBRA program adds about another $10 billion... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Non-Profit Operations Plugging Health Care Gap In Chicago

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:00:00 +0100

Medill Reports presents a story on community health centers in Chicago that try to fill access-to-care gaps for people too sick to get health care coverage or too poor to afford other care. "Community health centers ... are private, non-profit operations that fill a gap between for-profit health systems and free public health clinics. There are 36 of these federally qualified health centers in Illinois. Financial support comes from federal funds, Medicare, Medicaid, state programs, private insurance and philanthropies... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

President Announces Plans To Crack Down On Health Care Fraud

IT / Internet / E-mail News From Medical News Today — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:00:00 +0100

The Boston Globe: "President Barack Obama said Tuesday he'll bring in high-tech bounty hunters to help root out health care fraud, grabbing a populist idea with bipartisan backing in his final push to overhaul the system. ... Obama's anti-fraud announcement was aimed directly at the political middle." "Waste and fraud are pervasive problems for Medicare and Medicaid. ... (Source: IT / Internet / E-mail News From Medical News Today)

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White House Expands Program to Fight Fraud and Waste

MedPage Today Public Health — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:13:15 +0100

WASHINGTON (MedPage Today) -- President Barack Obama has announced new measures aimed at cracking down on fraud and waste in government programs, including Medicare and Medicaid. (Source: MedPage Today Public Health)

Agency For Healthcare Research And Quality News And Numbers: High Cholesterol, Diabetes Lead Drug Spending For The Elderly

Cholesterol News From Medical News Today — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0100

Agency For Healthcare Research And Quality News And Numbers: High Cholesterol, Diabetes Lead Drug Spending For The Elderly

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0100

Purchases of cholesterol and diabetes prescription drugs by elderly Medicare beneficiaries reached nearly $19 billion in 2007 - about one-fourth of the approximately $82 billion spent for medications for the elderly, according to the latest AHRQ News and Numbers. Metabolic drugs, which are used to lower cholesterol levels, keep diabetes under control and for weight and thyroid problems, topped the list of the five leading categories of drugs purchased by the elderly... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Obama Makes Impassioned Argument for Health Reform, Tough Measures to Combat Health Fraud

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 06:00:00 +0100

Kaiser Health News reports that President Barack Obama took his closing arguments for health care reform to the St. Louis area Wednesday, promoting "a new initiative to reduce waste in Medicare, Medicaid and other government programs." (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

Obama Gets Tough on Health Care Fraud

NYT — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:12:29 +0100

The president said he would unleash auditors in a crackdown on Medicare and Medicaid waste and fraud, a move to please both liberals and conservatives. (Source: NYT)

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Obama Gets Tough on Health Care Fraud

NYT > Health — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 03:20:29 +0100

The president said he would unleash auditors in a crackdown on Medicare and Medicaid waste and fraud, a move to please both liberals and conservatives. (Source: NYT > Health)

Now Accepting Medicaid and CHIP - 6 Day Dental and Orthodontics

Disabled World — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:42:38 +0100

6 Day Dental and Orthodontics Now Accepting Medicaid and CHIP (Source: Disabled World)

Integrating Health and Long Term Care for Those Who Qualify for Both Medicare and Medicaid

Disabled World — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:17:06 +0100

Options to Integrate Health and Long-Term Care for Dual Eligibles - A new policy options document examines four alternatives to integrate care for the nearly 9 million seniors and adults with disabilities whose Medicare and Medicaid services cost $250 billion per year. (Source: Disabled World)

Unemployment bill comes with Medicaid aid

bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:28:13 +0100

A federal bill extending unemployment benefits and providing other tax breaks also would bring $600 million to $750 million more in stimulus dollars to Ohio’s Medicaid program. (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines)

Proposed law targets Medicaid fraud

bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:01:31 +0100

A bill introduced in the Florida Legislature would give the state’s attorney general more powers to fight Medicaid fraud. (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines)

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Obama announces attack on Medicaid, Medicare abuses

bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:09:47 +0100

President Barack Obama announced Wednesday a new federal initiative aimed at recouping some of the billions of dollars estimated to be lost each year to Medicare and Medicaid fraud. (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines)

AHA: Offer incremental meaningful use objectives model, add 12 objectives

CMIO.net: The News Weekly for Health IT Executives — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:05:30 +0100

The American Hospital Association (AHA) has offered an alternative approach for the definition of meaningful use, including the addition of 12 objectives to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (Source: CMIO.net: The News Weekly for Health IT Executives)

AHA: Offer incremental meaningful use objectives model, add 12 objectives

Health Imaging News — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:05:30 +0100

AHA: Offer incremental meaningful use objectives model, add 12 objectives

Health Imaging News — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:05:30 +0100

U.S. Provider Reported Folic Acid or Multivitamin Ordering for Non-Pregnant Women of Childbearing Age: NAMCS and NHAMCS, 2005–2006

Maternal and Child Health Journal — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:34:33 +0100

Abstract Folic acid use started prior to pregnancy confers a decreased risk of neural tube defects, and yet 20–50% of pregnancies are unplanned. We sought to determine whether medical providers order folic acid (FA) or folic acid-containing multivitamins (MVI) for their non-pregnant female patients of childbearing age. This is a cross-sectional study using data from the CDC’s National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) and National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) (2005 and 2006). Among non-pregnant, female patients of childbearing age (15–44), the proportion of preventive visits during which a provider ordered FA/MVI supplements was determined and compared to pregnant patients. Next, the rates of FA/MVI orders were examined according to race/ethni...

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Senate Test Vote Today On Bill To Extend COBRA Subsidy, Doc Fix And State Medicaid Funding

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:00:00 +0100

The Senate is poised to consider a measure today that would include extending subsidies for COBRA benefits and unemployment insurance, prevent the Medicare payment cut for doctors and provide additional funding to state Medicaid programs. The legislation "faces a key test vote in the Senate, its momentum helped by about 60 popular tax breaks for individuals and businesses that expired at the end of last year," The Associated Press reports. "All told, the measure would add $107 billion to the deficit over the coming decade... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Medical Miracles More Likely, But At What Cost?

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100

The Fiscal Times reports on medical miracles and their place in the national health care reform debate with a likely subheading: high health care costs. "The idea of foregoing heroic efforts and new technologies to save dying patients is anathema for most Americans. It contradicts a core national conviction that innovation coupled with a can-do attitude can accomplish virtually anything" but "(h)ealth care in America will cost nearly $2.7 trillion this year - $9,000 per person - a $200 billion increase over last year... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Medical Miracles More Likely, But At What Cost?

Public Health News From Medical News Today — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100

Eligible Consumers Should Act Before March 31 To Enroll In Medicare

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0100

Consumers eligible for Medicare should enroll in Medicare Part B during the 2010 General Enrollment Period (GEP), which ends on March 31. Consumers who are not enrolled in Medicare, but should be, are urged to enroll by March 31 for Part B coverage, which would take effect July 1. Medicare Part B covers doctor visits and other outpatient care. People who are required to take Medicare but who do not enroll during the 2010 GEP will not have another chance to enroll in Medicare until January 2011, and their coverage will not begin until July 2011... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Physician's Perspective: Bundling Medicare Payments Could Cut Costs, Without Reducing Quality

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0100

The Washington Post has a section today titled "Scenes from the 21st century doctor's office." One feature, written by Manoj Jain, an infectious-disease specialist in Memphis, advocates for a new system of "bundled" Medicare payments to doctors. He notes that currently, "patients, insurance companies and Medicare pay separately for each procedure in the predominant 'fee-for-service' model. It's a design flaw of our health-care system, and one of the reasons for spiraling health-care costs... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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States Struggle With Strapped Budgets, Cuts To Health Programs

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0100

The Dallas Morning News: "Lawmakers have been thinking ahead to a massive shortfall, topping $10 billion, that's probably coming when they write the next budget in 2011. But state officials told them Monday that they'll have to fix a hole in the current budget, too. Rising health care costs have dug a hole of about $1.7 billion, the officials said. Texas has about 350,000 more poor people on government health insurance than it did last year ... 'We're running 11 percent ... growth in the Medicaid program,' said Health and Human Services Commissioner Tom Suehs ... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

States Struggle With Strapped Budgets, Cuts To Health Programs

Pediatrics News From Medical News Today — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0100

Case-Mix Adjustment and the Comparison of Community Health Center Performance on Patient Experience Measures

Health Services Research — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

To assess the effect of case-mix adjustment on community health center (CHC) performance on patient experience measures. A Medicaid-managed care plan in Washington State collected patient survey data from 33 CHCs over three fiscal quarters during 2007[ndash]2008. The survey included three composite patient experience measures (6-month reports) and two overall ratings of care. The analytic sample includes 2,247 adult patients and 2,859 adults reporting for child patients. We compared the relative importance of patient case-mix adjusters by calculating each adjuster's predictive power and variability across CHCs. We then evaluated the impact of case-mix adjustment on the relative ranking of CHCs. Important case-mix adjusters included adult self-reported health status or parent-reported child...

A Promotores de Salud Intervention to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Risk in a High-Risk Hispanic Border Population, 2005-2008

Rural publications via the Rural Assistance Center — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:42:08 +0100

The objective of Project HEART (Health Education Awareness Research Team) was to promote behavior changes to decrease CVD risk factors in a high-risk Hispanic border population. -- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (Source: Rural publications via the Rural Assistance Center)

Senate Test Vote Today on Bill to Extend COBRA Subsidy, Doc Fix and State Medicaid Funding

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:35:17 +0100

Kaiser Health News reports that the Senate is poised to consider a measure today that would include extending subsidies for COBRA benefits and unemployment insurance, prevent the Medicare payment cut for doctors and provide additional funding to state Medicaid programs. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

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Advanced Pain Centers, doctor to pay $820,000 for Medicare fraud

bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:18:03 +0100

A doctor from Town and Country, Mo., his wife, their pain management clinics and his billing company must pay $820,000 to settle allegations of submitting false claims to Medicare, Medicaid and Tricare. (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines)

AAFP: Partial meaningful use adoption should equal partial reimbursement

CMIO.net: The News Weekly for Health IT Executives — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:06:26 +0100

Partial adoption of meaningful use of health IT should result in the receiving of partial fiscal incentives, wrote Ted Epperly, MD, board chair of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), in a letter to Charlene M. Frizzera, acting administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). (Source: CMIO.net: The News Weekly for Health IT Executives)

AAFP: Partial meaningful use adoption should equal partial reimbursement

Health Imaging News — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:06:26 +0100

AAFP: Partial meaningful use adoption should equal partial reimbursement

Health Imaging News — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:06:26 +0100

Medicare Payment Issues Raise Questions, Concerns

Seniors / Aging News From Medical News Today — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:00:00 +0100

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Medicare Payment Issues Raise Questions, Concerns

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:00:00 +0100

Medicare payment issues including rising costs, caps on physical therapy and other outpatient services for some patients are in the news. The Dallas Morning News reports that Medicare Advantage plans with drug benefits are getting more expensive: "Seniors in those plans will pay an average of $39.61 a month this year in premiums, up 14.2 percent from 2009, according to Avalere Health, a Washington health advisory firm. In contrast, the average monthly premium for those plans rose by only 5.2 percent from 2008 to 2009... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Comment Period Closing on Proposed Rule for Electronic Health Record Incentive Program

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 06:00:00 +0100

Medicare Update reports that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is reminding interested parties that on March 15, 2010 the comment period closes on the Proposed Rule, which would implement an electronic health records (EHR) incentive program for eligible professionals and eligible hospitals that adopt and meaningfully use certified EHR technology. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

Medicaid Fee Cut Coming

Blogged_Arteries — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Cuts in payments to physicians who treat patients on Medicaid and in the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) appear likely as state leaders grapple with potential multi-billion-dollar state budget deficits this year and next. (Source: Blogged_Arteries)

CMS OKs NaF-18 imaging coverage

AuntMinnie.com Headlines — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:35:28 +0100

The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved coverage (more) (Source: AuntMinnie.com Headlines)

EHR “Meaningful Use” Rule Resources

Midcontinental Region News — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:02:14 +0100

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) includes the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act, or the “HITECH Act,” which established programs under Medicare and Medicaid to provide incentive payments for the “meaningful use” of certified electronic health records (EHR) technology. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have updated a web page containing links to resources about the electronic health record “meaningful use” rule: see http://www.cms.hhs.gov/Recovery/11_HealthIT.asp. Links include a proposed definition, proposed requirements, and an FAQ. [SD] (Source: Midcontinental Region News)

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EHR Meaningful Use Rule Resources

Midcontinental Region News — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:02:14 +0100

New nursing home fee pondered in Olympia would help reduce cuts in Medicaid

bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

State lawmakers are weighing a controversial proposal aimed at saving local nursing homes from a sharp cut in state funding for Medicaid patients. (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines)

Recent Declines in Hospitalizations for Acute Myocardial Infarction for Medicare Fee-for-Service Beneficiaries. Progress and Continuing Challenges.

Circulation — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions-AMI hospitalization rates fell markedly in the Medicare fee-for-service population between 2002 and 2007. However, black men and women appeared to have had a slower rate of decline compared with their white counterparts. PMID: 20212281 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Circulation)

Siemens to increase supply of NaF-18 following CMS reimbursement

Health Imaging News — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:44:44 +0100

PETNET Solutions, a subsidiary of Siemens Medical Solutions, is preparing to distribute, on a national basis, NaF-18 (sodium fluoride-18) through its network of 47 PET radiopharmacies in the U.S in support of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) memorandum to allow for coverage with evidence development of NaF-18 PET imaging. (Source: Health Imaging News)

Siemens to increase supply of NaF-18 following CMS reimbursement

Health Imaging News — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:44:44 +0100

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CMS to cover NaF-18 PET imaging only through evidence development

Health Imaging News — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:30:11 +0100

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), in a Feb. 26 final decision memorandum, has proposed that “the available evidence is sufficient to determine that NaF-18 PET imaging to identify bone metastasis of cancer to inform the initial antitumor treatment strategy or to guide subsequent antitumor treatment strategy after the completion of initial treatment, is reasonable and necessary” through coverage with evidence development. (Source: Health Imaging News)

CMS to cover NaF-18 PET imaging only through evidence development

Health Imaging News — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:30:11 +0100

Federal Court Rejects California Medicaid Cuts

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:00:00 +0100

The San Francisco Chronicle: "A federal appeals court barred California on Wednesday from lowering Medi-Cal payments to doctors and hospitals by 5 percent and from cutting in-home care workers' wages by nearly 20 percent, saying the state's budget crisis doesn't justify violating federal laws that protect the poor and disabled. In four rulings, the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco rejected attempts by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Legislature to reduce the state's deficit by paying less to the health professionals who treat 6... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Federal Court Rejects California Medicaid Cuts

Nursing News From Medical News Today — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:00:00 +0100

Last Chance To Change Medicare Health Plans

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 13:00:00 +0100

People with Medicare have one last chance to change their Medicare health plan before they are locked into their plan for the rest of 2010. During the Open Enrollment Period, which began January 1 and lasts through March 31, people with Medicare are allowed to change their choice of Medicare health coverage once. They cannot, however, add or drop the Medicare drug benefit (Part D), and they cannot switch from one stand-alone prescription drug plan to another. Most people with Medicare will not be able to change their health plan again until 2011... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Ahead Of HIMSS 2010, Siemens Seeks Nursing Perspectives On Meaningful Use Impact

Nursing News From Medical News Today — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:00:00 +0100

Soon after The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released its proposed rules for "meaningful use" of electronic health records (EHRs) on December 30, 2009, Siemens asked two prominent chief nursing officers (CNO) how the new guidelines support nurses' commitment to quality patient care delivery, enhance their care documentation capabilities, and can spur further health... (Source: Nursing News From Medical News Today)

Ahead Of HIMSS 2010, Siemens Seeks Nursing Perspectives On Meaningful Use Impact

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:00:00 +0100

How Expanded Medicare Authority Can Drive Improvements In The Medical Delivery System

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Despite the loss of the Democrats' supermajority necessary to pass comprehensive national healthcare reform, new federal legislation is needed to promote greater efficiency in the medical delivery system. Comprehensive reform of Medicare's provider-payment system would accelerate delivery system change but would be highly disruptive for many hospitals and physicians... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

ACR to President: Medicare should cover CTC

AuntMinnie.com Headlines — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services should cover CT colonography (more) (Source: AuntMinnie.com Headlines)

Arizona Physicians IPA partners with Sesame Workshop on children's nutrition program

bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 21:27:58 +0100

About 300,000 Medicaid enrollees will have access to bilingual Healthy Habits information to help them make affordable, nutritional food choices for children -- Elmo style. (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines)

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CHIME files comments on CMS' EHR Incentive Program

CMIO.net: The News Weekly for Health IT Executives — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:14:42 +0100

The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) has filed its comments, including its “critical concerns” regarding the proposed regulations governing the meaningful use of EHRs, with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) EHR Incentive Program. (Source: CMIO.net: The News Weekly for Health IT Executives)

CHIME files comments on CMS' EHR Incentive Program

Health Imaging News — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:14:42 +0100

CHIME files comments on CMS' EHR Incentive Program

Health Imaging News — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:14:42 +0100

CHIME questions timelines in CMS' EHR Incentive Program

CMIO.net: The News Weekly for Health IT Executives — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:14:42 +0100

The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) is questioning whether the current proposed regulations in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) EHR Incentive Program allot enough time for providers to achieve meaningful use before they are penallized. (Source: CMIO.net: The News Weekly for Health IT Executives)

CHIME questions timelines in CMS' EHR Incentive Program

Health Imaging News — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:14:42 +0100

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CHIME questions timelines in CMS' EHR Incentive Program

Health Imaging News — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:14:42 +0100

South Carolina, Oklahoma And Arkansas Grapple With Medicaid Cuts To Help Balance Budget

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:00:00 +0100

States consider major cuts to Medicaid services and reimbursement rates to help fill gaps in the budget. The Associated Press: "Lawmakers are considering cutting all services for nearly 26,000 people with disabilities as South Carolina tries to plug a $560 million budget hole. Parents say the proposed cuts to day care programs and other services would force them to give up much-needed jobs to stay home and care for their young and adult children." But "[l]awmakers say they have little choice... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

South Carolina, Oklahoma And Arkansas Grapple With Medicaid Cuts To Help Balance Budget

Seniors / Aging News From Medical News Today — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:00:00 +0100

Senate Gridlock Ends, COBRA And Medicare Fees Extended

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:00:00 +0100

Los Angeles Times: "Senate leaders Tuesday night resolved an impasse over emergency aid to the jobless that had driven a wedge into Republican ranks and given Democrats a political weapon. The deal overcame the continued objections of a single senator, Republican Jim Bunning of Kentucky, who for days had held up short-term extensions of unemployment and COBRA benefits over concerns that the bill would increase the federal deficit." The measure passed with a 78-19 vote (Oliphant, 3/2)... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Lawmakers Work On Medicare Drug And Mental Health Legislation

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:00:00 +0100

House Democrats are preparing to introduce legislation on Medicare drug prices and an effort to tackle some individual health issues while Congress debates a comprehensive bill. Congress Daily: "Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt., and more than 50 House members will propose legislation today that directs Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices. Aides said Friday the bill is not expected on the floor this week, but possibly as early as next week. The bill is the same as Welch's amendment that was included in the House's overhaul bill... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Medicare "Band-Aid" Is Worthless To Patients

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:00:00 +0100

The following can be attributed to William H. Fleming III, MD, president of the Texas Medical Association. Dr. Fleming's statement is in regard to the freeze the U.S. Senate put on the 21.2-percent cut to physicians' Medicare payments. The payment cut was postponed for 28 days, until April 1, 2010. "This 28-day freeze is worthless if Congress doesn't spend the next 28 days devising and passing a permanent new Medicare payment formula... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Lawmakers Work On Medicare Drug And Mental Health Legislation

Mental Health News From Medical News Today — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:00:00 +0100

The Impact Of Medicare Cuts: One North Coast Oncologist Considers Shutting Down His Office

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 11:00:00 +0100

Deep cuts in Medicare reimbursements that took effect on Monday are forcing physicians across the state to consider turning away new patients, dropping out of the program altogether or even, in some cases, closing their practices. North Coast Oncology and Hematology, which operates on the slimmest of margins and counts on Medicare for 60 percent of its patients, will not be able to stay in business for long with the lower reimbursements, said Howard Fellows, M.D., who opened the practice a year ago in an underserved area... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

More Effective Method Of Predicting Lead-Poisoning Risk

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

As health departments across the United States seek a better way to determine which children should be tested for lead poisoning, a method created by Michigan State University scientists has proven to be more accurate and cost-effective than current strategies. In 2009, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended an end to universal testing for children on Medicaid as long as state and local health departments are pursuing other methods of assessing the risk of elevated blood lead levels... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Nurses Welcome Biggest Healthcare Reform Since Medicare, Australia

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 02:00:00 +0100

Ged Kearney, Federal Secretary of the Australian Nursing Federation said that the reforms to heath care announced by the Prime Minister are the most significant to the health system since the introduction of Medicare. "These reforms fundamentally alter how we fund and deliver health care in Australia making it more transparent and accountable. "The move by the Commonwealth Government to become the majority funder of health care will help stop cost shifting and duplication in hospital funding... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Nurses Welcome Biggest Healthcare Reform Since Medicare, Australia

Nursing News From Medical News Today — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 02:00:00 +0100

Home health operator charged with fraud

bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:07:47 +0100

A Miami-Dade County man was arrested Wednesday and charged with defrauding the state’s Medicaid program out of more than $76,000. (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines)

Senior Citizens Face New Obstacles To Getting Care, After Medicare Slashes Payments

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:00:00 +0100

The California Medical Association renewed its call for Congress to reverse deep Medicare cuts that took effect today and threaten the ability of senior citizens to get access to medical care. "As physicians, our mission in life is to serve our patients and protect their health," said Brennan Cassidy, MD, president of CMA. "We are incensed that Congress has allowed these cuts to take place and forced many of us to re-evaluate whether we can afford to treat Medicare patients. We hope Congress will act immediately to restore this funding and ensure seniors get the care they need... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Senior Citizens Face New Obstacles To Getting Care, After Medicare Slashes Payments

Seniors / Aging News From Medical News Today — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:00:00 +0100

Obama’s Proposed Medicaid Expansion: Lessons from TennCare

The Heritage Foundation Papers: Health Care — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:49:00 +0100

[1]Richard S. Foster, "Estimated Financial Effects of the 'America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009,' as Passed by the House on (Source: The Heritage Foundation Papers: Health Care)

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State Roundup: Mass. Hospital Controversy, Iowa And Utah Consider Coverage Expansions

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:00:00 +0100

The Boston Globe: "The state appealed to the federal government yesterday to help Massachusetts hospitals that care for disproportionately high numbers of lower-income patients who receive state-sponsored health insurance. Governor Deval Patrick is asking the Obama administration for $216 million for Cambridge Health Alliance, the state's only public acute-care hospital, and another $115 million for six private hospitals with high Medicaid patient populations ... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

State Roundup: Mass. Hospital Controversy, Iowa And Utah Consider Coverage Expansions

HIV / AIDS News From Medical News Today — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:00:00 +0100

Bunning Continues To Block COBRA Subsidy Extension, Medicare 'Doc Fix'

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:00:00 +0100

Sen. Jim Bunning, R-Ky., is blocking a bill that would temporarily extend unemployment benefits and federal subsidies for some health insurance benefits. The Los Angeles Times: "Bunning used one of the Senate's arcane procedural tactics to hold up the measure as a way of protesting the federal deficit -- and drawing intense fire from Democrats in the process. Bunning, who is retiring at the end of the year, said he had opposed the bill because it didn't include an offset in spending to keep the federal deficit from increasing... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Attention Seniors: The Countdown Begins To The End Of Medicare Open Enrollment

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0100

Health Net, Inc. reminds seniors, age 65 or older, and others who are eligible for Medicare that the Medicare Open Enrollment period closes on Wed., Mar. 31, 2010. If Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Plan beneficiaries are not satisfied with the choice they made in November or December of last year during the Annual Election Period, they have one last chance to switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan for 2010. This opportunity allows seniors and other Medicare-eligible individuals to ensure their coverage truly meets their needs... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Attention Seniors: The Countdown Begins To The End Of Medicare Open Enrollment

Seniors / Aging News From Medical News Today — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0100

Health Net, Inc. reminds seniors, age 65 or older, and others who are eligible for Medicare that the Medicare Open Enrollment period closes on Wed., Mar. 31, 2010... (Source: Seniors / Aging News From Medical News Today)

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Coalition To Protect Patients' Rights: Medicare Being Cut Today

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Due to Congressional inaction, Medicare's reimbursement rates to doctors for their care of our nation's elderly population will be cut a staggering 21 percent today. This is a result of an unwillingness or inability - pick your poison - to permanently secure the Medicare payment formula system or to even temporarily extend the patchwork fix already in place (the Sustainable Growth Rate formula or SGR)... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Glaxo Birth Defect Litigation Reveals Paxil Promoters on Speed Dial

NaturalNews.com — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

(NaturalNews) In the first Paxil birth defect trial against GlaxoSmithKline, much of evidence focused on the doctors on Glaxo's payroll involved in the corruption of the medical literature and seminars given to promote the off label use of Paxil with pregnant and nursing mothers.On October 13, 2009, the trial of Kilker v Glaxo ended with a Philadelphia jury awarding $2.5 million in compensatory damages to the family of Lyam Kilker, after finding that Glaxo "negligently failed to warn" the doctor treating Lyam's mother about the risks of Paxil and the drug was a "factual cause" of the child's heart defects.Glaxo's lead attorney at trial was King and Spalding partner Chilton Varner, and the family's lead attorney was Sean Tracey from Houston.During his opening statement on September 15, 2009...

Create new federal center to spur Medicare and Medicaid innovation

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

(Brandeis University) Despite the loss of the Democrats' supermajority necessary to pass comprehensive national health-care reform, new legislation is needed to promote greater efficiency in the medical delivery system. Congressional proposals that provide new authority for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services could spur significant delivery system innovation, write two leading Brandeis University health policy analysts in the March 4, 2010, issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Medicare Suspends Marketing And Enrollment For Fox Insurance Company Drug Plan

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 02:00:00 +0100

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) directed Fox Insurance Company of New York to immediately suspend marketing and enrollment of new members in the organization's Medicare Part D prescription drug plans. CMS imposed this immediate sanction because the Fox drug plan has not been able to meet the prescription drug needs of some of its newest members, actions which could pose serious threats to their health and safety. These beneficiaries, many of whom qualify for the low-income subsidy under Part D, are primarily located in 21 states... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

County-Level Variation in the Prevalence of Medicaid-Enrolled Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This study examined how county-level resources are associated with the identification of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in Medicaid. Medicaid claims from 2004 were combined with county-level data. There were 61,891 children diagnosed with ASD in the Medicaid system in 2004. Counties with lower per-student education expenditures, more students, a greater proportion of students in special education, higher per capita number of pediatricians and pediatric specialists, and a greater proportion of Medicaid enrollees and white residents had higher Medicaid prevalence. Within states, counties differ in how they implement Medicaid policies. The results suggest the substitution of education and Medicaid-reimbursed services. Our findings highlight the need for geographically targeted ...

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CMS Instructs Medicare Contractors to Hold Physician Claims for 10 Days

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:19:34 +0100

Medicare Update tells how a number of news organizations (including American Medical News) report that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has instructed Medicare contractors to hold physician claims for 10 business days to give Congress time to address the 21.2 percent Medicare payment reduction for physician services. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

Obama Promise Of Health Care Cost Savings Through Efficiency Achieved By Innovative Teleradiology Company

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:00:00 +0100

Musculoskeletal Imaging Consultants (MSKIC) announces release of "Inside Business with Fred Thompson" documentary. MSKIC accomplishes Obama challenge of "more for less" by leveraging technology and bypassing obstructions to health information sharing. President Obama challenged the medical industry to improve quality and decrease Medicare health expenditures by improving health information sharing and thereby eliminating unnecessarily repeated studies... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Obama Promise Of Health Care Cost Savings Through Efficiency Achieved By Innovative Teleradiology Company

Radiology / Nuclear Medicine News From Medical News Today — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:00:00 +0100

CMS urges payment delay to defend physician payments

Cancer Network — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 13:30:01 +0100

It’s a kind of man bites dog story: unusual, remarkable, yet oddly plausible. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has told its contractors to hold claims containing services paid under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for the first 10 business days of March. (Source: Cancer Network)

Factors Associated with Healthcare Visits by Young Children for Nontoxic Poisoning Exposures

Journal of Community Health — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:04:33 +0100

Abstract Poison control centers have been shown to be a cost-effective alternative to healthcare visits for poisoning exposures, yet emergency departments (ED) and urgent care centers (UCC) continue to be frequently accessed for poisoning exposures in young children. We sought to identify predictors of young children who obtain healthcare for a nontoxic poisoning exposure. Poisoning exposure cases for children ≤5 years old who sought ED, UCC, or clinic care between 2001 and 2005 from an urban regional pediatric hospital system were identified from poisoning ICD-9 codes in the hospital administrative data and from a poisoning designation in the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) data. Cases (n = 2,494) were reviewed and categorized as eit...

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Reid Planning To Start Debate On COBRA, Medicaid Help Extensions

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0100

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is planning to start debate Monday on a bill that would extend COBRA health coverage benefit subsidies for people who have been laid-off. The measure, part of a larger package of expired government programs, also would help states with Medicaid reimbursements. CongressDaily: The 254-page, $150 billion bill would extend COBRA assistance through the end of the year and give states and extra six months of Medicaid assistance... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Michigan Hospitals Face Rising Costs; Doctor Urges Culture Changes To Increase Safety

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0100

Hospitals in Michigan are losing money, according to a report expected to be released today by the Michigan Health & Hospital Association. The Detroit Free Press reports that the losses are leading to "layoffs, hiring freezes and elimination of some services." The report blames "troubling economic times in Michigan" as well as "stalled state and federal health reforms," for the large financial losses... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Medical Identity Theft On The Rise

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0100

NPR/WBUR: Medical identity theft - in which thieves use stolen social security numbers, names and insurance information to seek treatment under an assumed identity -is on the rise. "Over the past 12 months, [CoxHealth Hospital in Missouri] has seen nine instances of identity theft - four in the past 45 days, says Betty Breshears, vice president of corporate integrity at the hospital." Such thefts can cost the victims money, but also risk physical harm, because inaccurate medical information, such as blood type, may be recorded in patient records... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Medicare Cuts To Doctors Payments Go Into Effect Today

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0100

Starting today, doctors face a 21 percent cut in their reimbursements from Medicare based on a federal budget law that sets physican payments based on other economic factors. In past years, Congress has routinely waived such cuts. The House passed a bill to again postpone the cuts but a similar attempt in the Senate stalled last week. Many physicians and health professionals worry that the reimbursement reductions could cause doctors to see fewer Medicare patients. The Tennessean: "Many doctors, meanwhile, are holding out hope for a 'permanent fix' to how physicians are paid... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

States Continue To Wrestle With Medicaid Spending, Budget Issues; Utah Legislation Would Criminalize Illegal Abortion

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0100

Cincinnati Business Courier: Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland has signed a bill that will extend the state's mini-COBRA program from 12 to 15 months for small-business employees, according to a report in Columbus Business First (3/1). The Las Vegas Sun: "A bill to save the Medicaid program an estimated $760,000 a year is headed for the desk of Gov. Jim Gibbons after three prior failures. The Assembly Sunday voted 41-0 with one absent to allow the division to declare three drugs as preferred medication... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Michigan Hospitals Face Rising Costs; Doctor Urges Culture Changes To Increase Safety

Public Health News From Medical News Today — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0100

Medical Identity Theft On The Rise

Public Health News From Medical News Today — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0100

NPR/WBUR: Medical identity theft - in which thieves use stolen social security numbers, names and insurance information to seek treatment under an assumed identity -is on the rise. "Over the past 12 months, [CoxHealth Hospital in Missouri] has seen nine instances of identity theft - four in the past 45 days, says Betty Breshears, vice president of corporate integrity at the hospital... (Source: Public Health News From Medical News Today)

Congress's Outrageous Failure To Act Means Deep Cuts To Medicare Payments That Jeopardize Health Care For Seniors

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

The California Medical Association called on Congress to act immediately to prevent deep Medicare cuts scheduled to take effect Monday that would hamper senior citizens' access to care and force physicians to contemplate turning away patients or dropping out of the program altogether. "It's unconscionable that Congress has not intervened to prevent this coming train wreck," said Brennan Cassidy, MD, president of CMA. "America's elderly, who have devoted their lives to working for this nation, deserve better treatment than this... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Drugmakers' Business Practices Draw Scrutiny

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Three top California Medicaid officials in charge of pharmacy issues failed to disclose trips paid for by drug-industry funded business groups, California Watch/San Francisco Chronicle reports. Officials who are directly involved in setting drug policy and negotiating payments took about 12 trips paid for by these nonprofit business groups. The nonprofits hold conferences such as the those attended by the Medicaid officials and raise their money through fees from drug representatives who attend conferences, too... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Congress's Outrageous Failure To Act Means Deep Cuts To Medicare Payments That Jeopardize Health Care For Seniors

Seniors / Aging News From Medical News Today — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

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Drugmakers' Business Practices Draw Scrutiny

Pharma Industry News From Medical News Today — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Three top California Medicaid officials in charge of pharmacy issues failed to disclose trips paid for by drug-industry funded business groups, California Watch/San Francisco Chronicle reports. Officials who are directly involved in setting drug policy and negotiating payments took about 12 trips paid for by these nonprofit business groups... (Source: Pharma Industry News From Medical News Today)

Trends In Health Care Spending For Immigrants In The United States [Web First]

Health Affairs — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 02:01:31 +0100

The suspected burden that undocumented immigrants may place on the U.S. health care system has been a flashpoint in health care and immigration reform debates. An examination of health care spending during 1999–2006 for adult naturalized citizens and immigrant noncitizens (which includes some undocumented immigrants) finds that the cost of providing health care to immigrants is lower than that of providing care to U.S. natives and that immigrants are not contributing disproportionately to high health care costs in public programs such as Medicaid. However, noncitizen immigrants were found to be more likely than U.S. natives to have a health care visit classified as uncompensated care. (Source: Health Affairs)

Fla. gets fed funds for e-health records

bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 21:47:35 +0100

Florida’s Medicaid program will receive $1.69 million in federal matching funds for planning activities necessary to implement the electronic health record incentive program established by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines)

Adherence to Prophylactic Antibiotic Guidelines Among Medicaid Infants With Sickle Cell Disease [The Pediatric Forum]

Archives of Pediatrics — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:50:48 +0100

(Source: Archives of Pediatrics)

Pediatric Uptake of a Newly Available Antipsychotic Medication

PEDIATRICS — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:02:27 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: During the period when ziprasidone had no approved pediatric usages, a small percentage of patients who were prescribed ziprasidone showed evidence of treatment resistance, the primary expected indication. Some prescribing for ziprasidone in the first year in this population could be considered inappropriate considering what was known about the safety and efficacy of ziprasidone in children and adolescents at the time. "Fail first" and prior authorization policies may be appropriate in the first year a medication is available so as to protect children from potential serious harm. (Source: PEDIATRICS)

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Barriers to the Adoption and Implementation of Preventive Dental Services in Primary Medical Care

PEDIATRICS — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:02:27 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: The number of barriers to adopting preventive dental procedures in primary care medical practices is associated with implementation. A large proportion of these barriers can be overcome, leading to high adoption rates in a short amount of time. The barriers to adoption are similar to those identified in the literature on changing patient care, with the unique aspects of fluoride application to teeth. Interventions to promote preventive dental care in medical settings should rely heavily on empirical literature. Training physicians in preventive dentistry should identify and target potential barriers with information and options for introducing office-based systems to improve the chances of adoption. (Source: PEDIATRICS)

CMS stalls 21% payment cut, allows time for Senate rescue

Cardiovascular Business News — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:01:13 +0100

The 21.2 percent cut in Medicare reimbursement officially went into effect Monday, March 1, but the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a guidance Friday that will delay its effects for two weeks, or until the U.S. Senate acts on a bill delaying the cut. (Source: Cardiovascular Business News)

21.2 percent Medicare reimbursement cut in effect; CMS delays impact

Health Imaging News — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 13:41:21 +0100

The 21.2 percent cut in Medicare reimbursement officially goes into effect today, but the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a guidance Friday that will delay its effects for two weeks, or until the U.S. Senate acts on a bill delaying the cut. (Source: Health Imaging News)

21.2 percent Medicare reimbursement cut in effect; CMS delays impact

Health Imaging News — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 13:41:21 +0100

Oklahoma physicians see Medicaid pay cut reduced

American Medical News - GOVERNMENT — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100

A budget agreement lowers a planned cut, yet some physicians worry that this will still reduce patient access. Government officials predict possible future cuts. (Source: American Medical News - GOVERNMENT)

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CMS urges payment delay to defend physician payments

Diagnostic Imaging — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100

HIMSS privacy and security workshop tackles new ARRA rules

Healthcare IT News — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 11:07:38 +0100

At the Healthcare Information Management Systems Society (HIMSS) annual conference on Sunday, HIMSS Senior Director of Privacy and Security Lisa Gallagher kicked off an all-day workshop Sunday on how providers can prepare for the potential impact of privacy and security under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued a proposed rule on Jan. 13 that would allow providers to earn incentives for the meaningful use of healthcare IT. (Source: Healthcare IT News)

Federal Officials Seek To Root Out Financial And Medicare Fraud

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Reuters: "The head of the U.S. Department of Justice's criminal division told a gathering of criminal defense lawyers on Thursday that the division was using tools 'not often seen in white collar cases' to combat financial fraud," which includes Medicare. Lanny Breuer said that the "department was committed to fighting fraud 'from Wall Street to Main Street'" and "cited as an example establishment of a Medicare Strike Force to combat health care fraud... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

With Rate Cut Looming, Doctors Threaten To Stop Accepting Medicare Patients

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

With a 21 percent Medicare reimbursement rate cut set for Monday, unless Congress acts to block it, some doctors are threatening to refuse new Medicare patients in their practices. "'To our physicians, we are providing information on their Medicare participation options, including how to remove themselves from the Medicare program,' said James Rohack, president of the American Medical Association, whose more than 250,000 members include doctors, medical students and faculty members," CNN reports. Rohack says temporary delays of the yearly scheduled rate cut should be eliminated... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

AHA Issues Model Letter for Commenting on EHR Incentives Rule

News stories via the Rural Assistance Center — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 06:00:00 +0100

The AHA has released a model comment letterthat hospitals can use to help draft their own comments on the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services' proposed rule on the electronic health records incentive program for Medicare and Medicaid. (Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center)

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Help Oppose Elimination of Medicaid Rehab Services

ASHA Action Alerts — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

(Source: ASHA Action Alerts)

CMS Orders 10-Day Hold on Medicare Claims

Blogged_Arteries — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced on Friday, Feb. 26, that it "is working with Congress, health care providers, and the beneficiary community to avoid disruption in the delivery of health care services and payment of claims for physicians, non-physician practitioners, and other providers of services paid under the Medicare physician fee schedule." (Source: Blogged_Arteries)

Dental effects of interceptive orthodontic treatment in a Medicaid population: Interim results from a randomized clinical trial

American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Introduction: There are disparities in access to orthodontic treatment for children from low-income families. Systematic programs of limited-care interceptive and preventive orthodontics have been proposed as a solution. The purpose of this randomized clinical trial was to compare dental outcomes and funding eligibility from a group of Medicaid patients randomized to receive interceptive orthodontics (IO) in the mixed dentition or observation (OBS).Methods: One hundred seventy Medicaid-eligible children were randomized to receive IO or OBS and followed for 2 years, when complete data were available on 72 and 74 children, respectively. The 2-year changes in the peer assessment rating (PAR) were compared using the Student t test. The proportions of children no longer eligible for Medicaid fu...

Break-even analysis of Medicaid vs fee for service in orthodontic practice: North Carolina as a case study

American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Break-even analysis is a basic economic concept applicable to orthodontic practices. Under the specific conditions of this study, the inclusion of 5% of patients enrolled in Medicaid in the active patient pool had minimal effect on the financial break-even point and, assuming that the break-even point had been reached, was unlikely to have a negative financial impact on the practice. (Source: American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics)

Darvon Is Still in the Public Eye

Pain Management Nursing — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In June 2006, I wrote an editorial about a consumer group urging the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ban the drug Darvon (). On July 7, 2009, the FDA released information about several actions to reduce the risk of overdose in patients using Darvon or Darvocet (). These actions were taken because of data linking propoxyphene and fatal overdoses. To further evaluate the safety of propoxyphene, the FDA plans to work with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Veterans Health Administration to study how often the elderly are prescribed propoxyphene over other analgesics. They were also interested in the difference in the safety profiles of propoxyphene compared with other drugs. On that same date, the FDA denied a citizen petition from the public interest group Public Ci...

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Panel Endorses Some Pharmacogenomic Tests

Internal Medicine News — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

A few pharmacogenomic tests have been shown to help improve patient outcomes, but most clinical studies of genetic and protein-based tests have not supplied sufficient data on outcomes to guide medical care, members of a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services advisory panel concluded. (Source: Internal Medicine News)

Feds Focus on Fraud in FY 2011 Budget Proposal

Ob.Gyn. News — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The Obama administration wants to combat waste, fraud, and abuse in the Medicare and Medicaid programs and plans to spend more than $500 million to do it. As part of the administration's budget proposal for fiscal year 2011, the Health and Human Services department is proposing to invest $561 million in discretionary funding to fight health care fraud, a $250 million increase over FY 2010. Specifically, the department plans to expand the Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Action Team (HEAT), which brings together high-level officials at HHS and the U.S. Department of Justice to spot trends and develop new fraud prevention tools. (Source: Ob.Gyn. News)

Feds Focus on Fraud in FY 2011 Budget Proposal

Rheumatology News — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CMS Recommends Pediatric Quality Measures

Rheumatology News — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Officials at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently released an initial set of pediatric quality measures that states can choose to use as part of their Medicaid and State Children's Health Insurance Programs. (Source: Rheumatology News)

Culture Change Movement Is Becoming Mainstream: A person-centered approach is critical.

Caring for the Ages — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Senior contributing writer Joanne Kaldy is a freelance writer in Harrisburg, Pa., and a communications consultant for AMDA and other organizations. A growing number of facilities, communities, and practitioners have embraced the movement that long-term care advocates call culture change. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has expressed support for the efforts, and research is demonstrating the clinical and operational effects on long-term care. (Source: Caring for the Ages)

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Don't Be Shocked by the Latest Policy Topics: MedPAC recommends eliminating the 2011 payment update for skilled nursing facilities.

Caring for the Ages — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

SUSAN M. PETTEY has directed health policy and advocacy programs for long-term care physicians, administrators, and other professionals, including AMDA and the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging. Her experience also includes work with the Health Care Financing Administration (now the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) and the National Association for Home Care. She currently is a health policy consultant. To submit a health policy question for possible discussion in this column, e-mail us at caring@elsevier.com. (Source: Caring for the Ages)

AMDA Asks CMS to Include NF Codes in 5-Year Refinement

Caring for the Ages — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

AMDA has asked the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to include the nursing facility discharge codes 99315 (Nursing Facility Discharge Day Management; 30 minutes or less) and 99316 (Nursing Facility Discharge Day Management; more than 30 minutes) in the 5-year refinement of work relative value units (RVUs). (Source: Caring for the Ages)

Arizona To Receive Federal Matching Funds For Electronic Health Record Incentives Program

Health News from Medical News Today — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 09:00:00 +0100

In another key step to further states' role in developing a robust U.S. health information technology (HIT) infrastructure, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced today that Arizona's Medicaid program will receive federal matching funds for state planning activities necessary to implement the electronic health record (EHR) incentive program established by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act). Arizona will receive approximately $2.89 million in federal matching funds... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Florida To Receive Federal Matching Funds For Electronic Health Record Incentives Program

Health News from Medical News Today — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 09:00:00 +0100

In another key step to further states' role in developing a robust U.S. health information technology (HIT) infrastructure, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced today that Florida's Medicaid program will receive federal matching funds for state planning activities necessary to implement the electronic health record (EHR) incentive program established by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act). Florida will receive approximately $1.69 million in federal matching funds... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

How Health Care Is Paid For Appears To Impact Outcome

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Whether an individual is treated for a hip fracture at a hospital reimbursed by Medicare or is treated at a Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center makes a significant difference in what happens to the patient after release from the medical facility, according to a large study which may contribute to the ongoing debate on how to pay for health care... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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How Health Care Is Paid For Appears To Impact Outcome

Public Health News From Medical News Today — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Consumer Group Releases Report On State Implementation Of Low-Income Reforms

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 23:00:00 +0100

This report is preliminary, but the problems it identifies highlight the urgent need for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to proactively oversee how states are implementing these important reforms to programs for low-income people with Medicare... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Kansas gets $1.7M to help roll out electronic health records

bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 20:41:59 +0100

Kansas has received $1.7 million in Medicaid financing to assist in statewide implementation of electronic health records among providers, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services said Friday. (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines)

Kaiser Permanente: Medicaid enrollment rising while states face fiscal challenges

CMIO.net: The News Weekly for Health IT Executives — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 17:01:10 +0100

As economic conditions deteriorated and unemployment rose from 5.5 percent in June 2008 to 9.5 percent in June 2009, national Medicaid enrollment grew at a rate not seen since the early days of program implementation in the late 1960s, according to a June 2009 data snapshot on Medicaid enrollment recently released from Oakland, Calif.-based Kaiser Permanente. (Source: CMIO.net: The News Weekly for Health IT Executives)