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Proposed site-neutral payment policy sets the stage for battle royale between CMS, hospitals
As the CMS charts a path to level pay for outpatient services, it’s also leading toward a head-to-head battle with powerful hospital lobbying groups as some providers win and lose with site-neutral payments.
CHS sees net loss as admissions continue to slide
Admissions and revenue continued to slide for Community Health Systems in the second quarter of 2018. The for-profit hospital chain reported a net loss of $110 million in the quarter.
Hospital chains’ share prices bump up on positive Q2 earnings
For-profit hospital companies’ share prices are benefiting from a week of mostly positive second-quarter earnings reports.
Mount Sinai creates center to study healthcare applications for blockchain
The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai’s new center will be able to add a level of academic rigor to the discussion about blockchain in healthcare
MIPS on track to be SGR 2.0 if not fixed, doctors say
During a congressional hearing, leaders from key medical societies accused the CMS of attempting to undermine Congress’ work to help doctors move to value-based care as part of MACRA.
UnitedHealthcare fined $2.5 million for New Jersey insurance violations
New Jersey insurance regulators fined UnitedHealthcare $2.5 million for several insurance law violations, including sending patients to a provider of hemophilia services that hadn’t been approved by the state.
Azar promises continued Medicare billing overhaul, regulatory relief
HHS Secretary Alex Azar promised a conservative audience that his agency would put out new guidance on the Stark law and HIPAA as well as overhaul Medicare billing structures to drive down government costs.
UHS sees jump in net income, misses on revenue
The for-profit hospital chain Universal Health Services saw a big jump in net income in the second quarter of 2018, but its revenue just missed analysts’ predictions.
CMS proposes slashing clinic visit payments as part of site-neutral policy
The CMS released its massive outpatient prospective payment rule, which included cutting payments for check up visits as part of a new site-neutral payment policy. The move will save Medicare $610 million.
Ascension to close Washington, D.C., hospital
Ascension will close its 283-bed hospital in Washington, D.C., Providence Health System, by year-end as it looks to replace acute care with more ambulatory services.
