Medicare Hospice Program Vulnerable
The Medicare hospice program is valuable to beneficiaries at the end of life, but it’s also vulnerable to fraud and poor care, according to a recent report from HHS’ Office of Inspector General. The report examined vulnerabilities of the program and provided recommendations for combating them.
Opioid Use Before Surgery Increases Risk of Poor Outcomes
Massachusetts currently leads the nation in decreasing opioids prescription, according to a Blue Cross Blue Shield report cited by The Boston Herald. Blue Cross Blue Shield’s survey illustrated 51 percent fewer opioid prescriptions written in Massachusetts in 2017 than 2013; specifically, Bay State physicians wrote 193 opioids prescriptions per 1,000 Blue Cross-insured members. The national average is 394 per 1,000 members.
The study, published in Preventive Medicine, analyzed data from over 1,000 Americans. In a survey, the researchers queried respondents’ attitudes on needle exchanges, (where people can dispose of used syringes and get sterile ones), safe injection sites (where people can use drugs under medical supervision) and broader opinions on addiction.
The Most and Least Telehealth-Friendly States
A new survey exams the attitudes, perspectives, and plans of healthcare leadership that are shaping telemedicine’s application, value, and potential. The research explored telehealth services adoption rates and drivers, budgets and ROI, the technology’s role in delivering care, and the factors important to executives when selecting a solution for their organization.
Why Hospitals Should Pay More Attention to How Patients are Discharged
The AMA’s latest National Economic Impact of Physicians report provides data that can be used by key health care policymakers, legislators and thought leaders. It also demonstrates how physician practices both ensure the health and well-being of communities as well as support local economies and enable jobs, growth and prosperity.
Economic Impact of Physicians: Data Reflects Job Growth Decline
The AMA’s latest National Economic Impact of Physicians report provides data that can be used by key health care policymakers, legislators and thought leaders. It also demonstrates how physician practices both ensure the health and well-being of communities as well as support local economies and enable jobs, growth and prosperity.
Which State Leads the US in Lowering Opioid Prescriptions?
Massachusetts currently leads the nation in decreasing opioids prescription, according to a Blue Cross Blue Shield report cited by The Boston Herald. Blue Cross Blue Shield’s survey illustrated 51 percent fewer opioid prescriptions written in Massachusetts in 2017 than 2013; specifically, Bay State physicians wrote 193 opioids prescriptions per 1,000 Blue Cross-insured members. The national average is 394 per 1,000 members.
The study, published in Preventive Medicine, analyzed data from over 1,000 Americans. In a survey, the researchers queried respondents’ attitudes on needle exchanges, (where people can dispose of used syringes and get sterile ones), safe injection sites (where people can use drugs under medical supervision) and broader opinions on addiction.
How Insurers Inadequately Report Medicaid Fraud
The Senate released its version (a.k.a. Better Care Reconciliation Act BCRA) of the House’s AHCA. Payers and providers adjust as needed because healthcare reforms, like BCRA, AHCA, and ACA, continuously move through state and federal legislatures. Today’s blog, pulls together summaries from numerous resources allowing you a quick glimpse or a deep dive into what waits around the corner.
Here are 10 instances which can help you better identify when its time to look for a partner.
AMA Passes Augmented Intelligence Policy
The American Medical Association passed its first policy addressing augmented intelligence in the healthcare industry during its annual meeting in Chicago, which ran June 7 to June 13. The policy suggests tasks for the AMA to address regarding the use of AI in healthcare, with a focus on encouraging healthcare stakeholders and federal policymakers to prioritize “user-centered design.” The initiative builds on a proposed a “baseline policy” the association laid out in a May report to its board of trustees.
Study: 60% of America’s Seniors Are Avoiding Healthcare Costs
The Medicare Advantage program continues to grow in popularity with both consumers and health plans.
At least one-third of seniors are estimated to be in an MA plan rather than fee-for-service Medicare. As baby boomers retire in large numbers, health plans are competing to capture the Medicare Advantage market.
Why Prescription Drug Price Transparency Matters
The Medicare Advantage program continues to grow in popularity with both consumers and health plans.
At least one-third of seniors are estimated to be in an MA plan rather than fee-for-service Medicare. As baby boomers retire in large numbers, health plans are competing to capture the Medicare Advantage market.
