$1.96 billion nursing homes cut will force hard look at regulation, payment, experts say
By
Kimberly Marselas
Feb 12, 2018
The federal budget deal struck last week will squeeze nursing homes tighter than ever, advocates said as they began strategizing about how to stem the damage.
Medicare expands pre-approval program for power wheelchairs
By
Kimberly Marselas
Jun 05, 2018
A Medicare demonstration that requires healthcare providers to request pre-approval before prescribing medical devices such as powered wheelchairs will get new life this fall.
Still no word on whether CMS will approve lifetime Medicaid limits
By
Kimberly Marselas
Mar 26, 2018
Lawmakers and reporters alike have been unable to pin down Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Seema Verma on her agency’s view of states’ requests to impose lifetime coverage...
EEOC sues nursing home that fired worker with anxiety
By
Kimberly Marselas
Feb 05, 2018
A Tennessee nursing home fired a laundry technician rather than accommodate her request for time off to cope with an anxiety disorder, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission charges in a new...
No sign language interpreter for two years? Deaf former resident can sue nursing home
By
Kimberly Marselas
Apr 30, 2018
A federal judge ruled last week that a former nursing home patient who is deaf can pursue a discrimination case against the facility where she lived for more than two years because staff refused to provide...
CMS developing direct-pay model to test on seniors, others
By
Kimberly Marselas
Apr 25, 2018
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has announced it is exploring a direct-provider contracting model. It is the first payment reform initiative to result from the agency innovation center’s...
Medical records firm sues HHS over HIPAA document fees
By
Kimberly Marselas
Jan 11, 2018
A technology company that helps healthcare providers complete medical records requests is suing the Department of Health and Human Services over “irrational, arbitrary” HIPAA limits that cap...
Study questions readmission data as standard for care quality
By
Kimberly Marselas
Mar 28, 2018
Hospital readmission rates have emerged as the unquestioned arbiter of post-acute care quality and payments. But a new study suggests a more comprehensive approach may be warranted.
The quest for secure, shareable information in the medical world is inching closer to reality.
Government watchdog says CMS should continue prior authorization projects
By
Kimberly Marselas
May 22, 2018
A report issued Monday by the Government Accountability Office says the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services should extend tests of a prior authorization program that have saved up to $1.9 billion.