Category: CMS

Despite recent attempts to upgrade it, Medicare's Physician Compare website is still riddled with glitches, according to the American Medical Association, which says it has found problems that must be addressed before the directory can start providing more information on physician performance. read more From: http://www.fiercehealthit.com/story/physician-compare-still-riddled-glitches/2013-08-06?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

The government needs to step up to the plate and mandate clear standards on interoperability in order for the Meaningful Use incentive program and data sharing to work properly, according to a panel of stakeholders speaking on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' recent eHealth Summit in Baltimore. read more From: http://www.fierceemr.com/story/stakeholders-cms-we-need-interoperability-standards/2013-08-06?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

Kaiser Health News staff writer Jordan Rau reports: “Medicare will levy $227 million in fines against hospitals in every state but one for the second round of the government’s campaign to reduce the number of patients readmitted within a month, according to federal records released Friday” (Rau, 8/2). From: http://www.news-medical.net/news/20130805/First-Edition-August-5-2013.aspx

A selection of health policy stories from New York, Florida, California and Oregon. From: http://www.news-medical.net/news/20130803/State-highlights-Psychiatric-care-worries-as-Brooklyn-hospitals-close3b-working-parents-could-lose-Medicaid-in-Fla3b-new-phase-of-Calif-healthy-families-transition-concerns-some.aspx

The approval for making at least 320,000 low-income adults eligible for Medicaid sets the stage for a crucial Senate vote later this month. From: http://www.news-medical.net/news/20130803/Mich-legislative-panel-moves-Medicaid-expansion-forward.aspx

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services chief Marilyn Tavenner disputed statements by Republican lawmakers that the country’s health care reform law is causing workers to lose hours or benefits. The acting head of the Internal Revenue Service also testified. From: http://www.news-medical.net/news/20130803/Tavenner-challenges-GOP-health-law-claims-during-Capitol-Hill-hearing.aspx

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is considering a reversal of its 2006 decision requiring certification of facilities that perform bariatric surgery, a move the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, the American College of Surgeons, and other medical societies say could endanger Medicare patients who undergo bariatric surgery. From: http://www.news-medical.net/news/20130802/CMS-proposal-to-remove-Bariatric-Surgery-Facility-Certification-may-place-Medicare-patients-at-risk.aspx

A whistleblower says two hospital operators paid clinics to direct to their hospitals pregnant mothers living in the U.S. illegally. From: http://www.news-medical.net/news/20130802/Lawsuit-alleges-hospital-operators-paid-kickbacks-defrauded-Medicaid.aspx

Some medical societies, which support repealing Medicare’s Sustainable Growth Rate formula, are expressing concern that a bill won’t be signed into law before a scheduled 25 percent reduction in Medicare physician payment takes effect. Meanwhile, members of the Senate Finance Committee are working on their own plan. From: http://www.news-medical.net/news/20130802/SGR-repeal-measure-moves-to-full-House-consideration.aspx

The House Energy and Commerce Committee voted 51-0 to approve bipartisan legislation that would replace the current Medicare payment model— known as the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR)—with a stable system of payments to reimburse U.S. doctors. The House Energy and Commerce Committee voted 51-0 to approve bipartisan legislation that would replace the current Medicare payment…