Introduction Discharge planning[1] is an important tool for reviewing and making arrangements for on-going healthcare needs across healthcare settings, including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, home health, or hospice. When focusing on … [Read more...] about Medicare Discharge Planning: Think Through Your Needs
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Medicare for People with Chronic Conditions
People with chronic conditions and long-term illnesses are too often denied Medicare coverage on the grounds that they will not improve, need "maintenance services only," have "plateaued" or are "chronic and stable". Taken together, these reasons … [Read more...] about Medicare for People with Chronic Conditions
Medicare and Discharge Planning: Thinking Through Your Needs
Discharge planning[1] is an important tool for reviewing and making arrangements for on-going healthcare needs across healthcare settings, including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, home health, or hospice. When focusing on discharge planning, … [Read more...] about Medicare and Discharge Planning: Thinking Through Your Needs
Medicare Coverage of Mental Health Services
In recognition of Older Americans' Mental Health Week (May 24-30, 2009), this Weekly Alert reviews the mental health services that are available under the Medicare Program. [1] Advocates seek improved access to mental health services, an … [Read more...] about Medicare Coverage of Mental Health Services
When is Hospital Stay NOT a Hospital Stay? When the Patient Is In “Observation Status”
The Medicare statute and regulations authorize payment for skilled nursing facility (SNF) care for a beneficiary who, among other requirements, was a hospital inpatient for at least three days before the admission to the SNF. The Center for … [Read more...] about When is Hospital Stay NOT a Hospital Stay? When the Patient Is In “Observation Status”
Consumer Assessment of Health Care Providers and Systems (CAHPS)
Beneficiary Satisfaction Measure is Not Used to It's Fullest Extent Unlike report cards that use clinical measures, The Consumer Assessment of health care Providers and Systems (CAHPS) reports patient ratings of their experience with … [Read more...] about Consumer Assessment of Health Care Providers and Systems (CAHPS)
Medicare Coverage of Power Mobility Devices: Tips and Reminders
When it comes to obtaining Medicare coverage for Mobility Assistive Equipment (MAE),[1] coverage criteria, particularly patient assessment standards, continue to be misunderstood by providers and beneficiaries. The spectrum of fraud and abuse … [Read more...] about Medicare Coverage of Power Mobility Devices: Tips and Reminders
Addressing Concerns about Quality of Care For Medicare Beneficiaries
When beneficiaries receive Medicare coverable health care, there is an expectation that the provider will listen to their concerns and assess and provide appropriate medical care. What can beneficiaries do if they believe that the prescribed medical … [Read more...] about Addressing Concerns about Quality of Care For Medicare Beneficiaries
The New Medicare Hospital Notice – Insight and Guidance for Beneficiaries
Starting July 1, 2007, hospitals participating in the traditional or Medicare Advantage Medicare program must provide beneficiaries with a new notice of discharge and appeal rights, as discussed in last week’s Weekly Alert. This Weekly Alert … [Read more...] about The New Medicare Hospital Notice – Insight and Guidance for Beneficiaries
New Rules Offer Better Protection for Medicare Patients
Medicare patients who are hospitalized sometimes find themselves being told to leave the hospital too soon, before they can safely be cared for at home or at a nursing home.[1] The protections provided for hospital patients in this … [Read more...] about New Rules Offer Better Protection for Medicare Patients