As discussed in last week’s Alert, the current Medicare Annual Enrollment Period lasts until December 7th.[1] During this time period, Medicare beneficiaries can choose a Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Part D plan for 2013. This … [Read more...] about Picking a Plan During the Annual Enrollment Period? Choose Carefully
Quality of Care
New Procedures for Review of Quality of Care Complaints
On April 6, 2012, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued Transmittal 17, which revises and creates new procedures for the review of quality of care concerns[1] by Quality Improvement Organizations (QIOs).[2] Effective May 7, … [Read more...] about New Procedures for Review of Quality of Care Complaints
Compare Hospitals or Nursing Homes Using Medicare’s Online Tools
Two websites that help Americans make informed choices about hospitals and nursing homes have been redesigned and will make more information available to the public, CMS announced on July 19, 2012. The two sites – Hospital Compare and … [Read more...] about Compare Hospitals or Nursing Homes Using Medicare’s Online Tools
National Alzheimer’s Plan: A Step Forward, More Work Ahead
This week, the Obama Administration launched a National Alzheimer's Plan to help the more than 5 million Americans with Alzheimer's disease and their 15 million caregivers. Consisting of funding for clinical research, provider education and … [Read more...] about National Alzheimer’s Plan: A Step Forward, More Work Ahead
Low Staffing in Nursing Homes Leads to More Deaths
When research conducted a decade ago documented that mortality rates actually increased when employment rates increased, health economists sought to identify the cause. Focusing on employed workers did not explain the increased mortality … [Read more...] about Low Staffing in Nursing Homes Leads to More Deaths
Medicare Hospital Readmissions
Reducing hospital readmissions is generating lots of confusion. The rules are complicated. In addition, some hospitals, facilities, and health care networks have adopted protocols, and have in place some level of procedures … [Read more...] about Medicare Hospital Readmissions
Voluntary Nursing Home Improvement Campaign Does Not Work
Nursing Facilities Participating in Advancing Excellence Still Among Worst Performers Many nursing facilities that are identified by the federal government as among the facilities providing the poorest quality of care to residents in the country … [Read more...] about Voluntary Nursing Home Improvement Campaign Does Not Work
Special Focus Facility Study: Nursing Facilities’ Self-Regulation Cannot Replace Independent Surveys
Each month, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) identifies nursing facilities that are among the facilities providing the poorest care to their residents, as determined by federal deficiencies cited in the prior three … [Read more...] about Special Focus Facility Study: Nursing Facilities’ Self-Regulation Cannot Replace Independent Surveys
Toby Edelman Testifies Before Senate Special Committee Regarding Antipsychotics In Nursing Homes
UNITED STATES SENATE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON AGING OVERPRESCRIBED: THE HUMAN AND TAXPAYERS' COSTS OF ANTIPSYCHOTICS IN NURSING HOMES November 30, 2011 Testimony of Toby S. Edelman Senior Policy Attorney Center for Medicare Advocacy The … [Read more...] about Toby Edelman Testifies Before Senate Special Committee Regarding Antipsychotics In Nursing Homes
Study Finds that Use of Hospitalists Shifts Costs from Inpatient Care to Post-Discharge Setting
Hospitalists are defined as physicians who are based full-time in acute care hospitals and who provide care to hospitalized patients. The past decade has witnessed a rapid growth in hospitals' use of hospitalists, who have been shown to … [Read more...] about Study Finds that Use of Hospitalists Shifts Costs from Inpatient Care to Post-Discharge Setting