ACOs already a ‘substantial’ force, care rises to 1 in 10 Americans, experts say
By
McKnight's Staff
Nov 30, 2012
Data collected by a management consulting firm showed that approximately 2.4 million Medicare beneficiaries received care via different Medicare ACO programs run by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid...
With infection rates at 50-year high, whooping cough vaccine recommended for seniors
By
McKnight's Staff
Nov 30, 2012
Adults ages 65 and older are being urged with renewed emphasis to get the whooping cough (tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis/Tdap) vaccine, according to a new study published Thursday.
Common antipsychotics dangerous for older adults, new study says
By
McKnight's Staff
Nov 29, 2012
Adding to the concerns about off-label use of antipsychotics, a new study has found four of the most common medications lack safety and effectiveness in older adults.
The projected recoveries to the federal government from fraud-related audits and investigations are expected to rise 33% — or by $1.7 billion — in fiscal 2012, the Department of Health and Human Services...
OIG to states: Give more protection to Medicaid whistleblowers
By
McKnight's Staff
Nov 29, 2012
Tennessee needs to toughen up its Medicaid false claims law, the federal government says, and that might not be good for providers.
OIG: Hospitals err 18% of the time with point-of-admission indicators
By
McKnight's Staff
Nov 28, 2012
A lack of uniformity among hospital coders for developing conditions is a main reason for the “point of admission” errors, according to a Monday report from the Department of Health and Human...
One way or another, Medicaid spending set to rise by billions, report says
By
McKnight's Staff
Nov 28, 2012
Despite state-by-state variation, Medicaid spending is expecting to increase by billions of dollars through 2022, according to a study from the Kaiser Commission of Medicaid and the Uninsured.
Flu outbreaks tied to weather forecasting in new model
By
McKnight's Staff
Nov 28, 2012
A new system ties together weather forecasting with flu outbreak predictions, giving healthcare providers a better way to prepare.
CMS: Options exist for states pondering Medicaid coverage
By
McKnight's Staff
Nov 27, 2012
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services remains busy counseling states with guidance on the standards that Medicaid programs must adhere to in coverage options for low-income. A new letter gives guidance...
Study: Nurses help increase vaccinations
By
McKnight's Staff
Nov 27, 2012
Vaccinations from nurses drove a significant increase in at-risk adults and older people who received flu or pneumonia shots, according to a new study.