Category: Healthcare Finance News

Electronic health records decision support saves money, reduces inappropriate use of GI test

Asking physicians to reconsider the appropriateness of testing via hardwired alerts saves money without compromising care quality.

Many seniors can’t afford healthcare despite paying billions, finds Gallup

Seniors also reported their concern that rising healthcare costs will result in significant and lasting damage to the economy.

Modifications to Medicare rules could support care innovation for dialysis

Medicare spends approximately $35 billion annually on care for beneficiaries with end-stage renal disease.

CMS gives states 3 options to test care models for dual eligibles

A joint contract between CMS, states and health plans would pay a capitated amount to provide integrated Medicare and Medicaid services.

CMS proposes to pay for transformative IT

The change would ramp up add-on payments to hospitals that implement new tech and increase the wage index for rural and other qualifying hospitals.

CMS Administrator Seema Verma promotes state waivers to Affordable Care Act

Pre-existing coverage remains protected, though a new type of high risk pool approach could better tailor coverage for these enrollees, Verma says.

Consolidation, consumerism ranked as top trends in healthcare based on new survey

Even though M&A activity has slowed in recent quarters, health professionals don’t expect the slowdown to last.

Medicare Hospital Insurance Trust Fund will run out money in 7 years, trustees say

Part D drug spending projections are lower than last year because of slower price growth and a continuing trend of higher manufacturer rebates.

Short-term wellness programs having minimal impact on healthcare costs

Even the positive health effects observed in participating employees fell short of certain clinical measures of health.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services unveils five primary care payment model options

The Primary Care First payment model will provide payment to practices through a simplified total monthly payment to allow clinicians to focus on caring for patients rather than their revenue cycle, CMS says.