The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced last week that it will offer cash incentives to improve quality of care in nursing homes. CMS will ask Arizona, Mississippi, New York, and Wisconsin to participate. (Source) Quality of care areas include nurse staffing and the scope and severity of deficiency citations the home has received during inspections. Those with the highest scores/greatest performance will receive performance payment. Acting administrator Charlene … [Read more...] about CMS to Offer Nursing Home Quality of Care Incentive
DADS Alerts: CLASS Clarification, Etc.
The Texas Department and Aging and Disability Services (DADS) notified Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS) providers that Form 8604, the Transition Assistance Services (TAS) Assessment and Authorization, has been replaced by Form 3621-A, CLASS Transition Assistance Services. See the TAS handbook for more information. DADS is offering new forms for programs like Deaf/Blind with Multiple Disabilities, Home and Community-based Services, and Intermediate Care Facilities for … [Read more...] about DADS Alerts: CLASS Clarification, Etc.
CMS Seeks to Improve Outpatient Quality of Care
Last week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a final rule that restates its commitment to implementing Value Based Purchasing incentives, one of which is to improve the quality of care with Medicare in hospital outpatient departments (HOPDs). CMS hopes to give hospitals an incentive to improve care by tying quality of care to payments. Kerry Weems, CMS acting administrator, said "In this final rule, we are continuing to pay appropriately for care while working with … [Read more...] about CMS Seeks to Improve Outpatient Quality of Care
CMS Announces Electronic Prescribing System
As the stereotype goes, physicians' handwriting is notoriously illegible. Last week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a new electronic prescribing system designed to eliminate medication errors caused by people misreading handwritten prescriptions. (Source) Kerry Weems, CMS acting administrator said "more than 1.5 million Americans are injured every year by drug errors. E-prescribing lets providers know—up front—their patients’ medication history and the … [Read more...] about CMS Announces Electronic Prescribing System
Information and Survey Letters: Impact of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued three information letters and three federal survey letters: Information Letters License Capacity in Adult Day Care (ADC) Day Activity and Health Services (DAHS) Facilities – DADS reminds providers that all licensed ADC facilities participating in the DAHS program must not exceed their licensed capacity. Download the letter for more information. Waiver Survey and Certification (WS&C) Process to Initiate Alternative … [Read more...] about Information and Survey Letters: Impact of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, Etc.
Provider and Information Letters: Two Surveys, Hurricane Ike, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued two provider and three information letters: Survey About Vehicles Used for Transportation of Individuals DADS requested that Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs) participate in a survey of providers regarding vehicles used to provide transportation of individuals enrolled in DADS programs. The deadline is October 1, 2008. Here is a direct link to the survey. Download the letter for more information. Regulatory … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: Two Surveys, Hurricane Ike, Etc.
CMS Reports Pay-for-Performance Pilot Success
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced last week that a pilot pay-for-performance program, which pays doctors based on quality of care, has lowered costs "in some cases" and improved quality of care for patients with congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, and diabetes. According to CMS, four of the 10 groups participating in the program reduced costs to patients and CMS spending by $17.4 million. Kerry Weems, acting administrator for CMS, said, "We are … [Read more...] about CMS Reports Pay-for-Performance Pilot Success
Dual Eligible Lawsuit Settled
Beneficiaries of Medicaid can continue buying prescription drugs at a low cost once they become eligible for Medicare, according to a class action lawsuit settlement. (Kaiser Network) The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the settlement last week. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of 6.2 million "dual eligible" Medicaid beneficiaries. Under the 2003 Medicare law, dual eligibles are supposed to receive assistance for buying prescription drugs, but beneficiaries were … [Read more...] about Dual Eligible Lawsuit Settled
Introducing GINA New Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008
President Bush is expected to sign into law the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) passed last week by Congress. The new law, which has been debated in Congress for 13 years, adds to current federal anti-discrimination laws (including Title VII) prohibitions on employers and insurance companies using genetic tests showing people are at risk of developing cancer, heart disease or other ailments to reject their job applications, promotions or health care coverage, or in setting … [Read more...] about Introducing GINA New Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008
CMS Set to Base Medicare Hospital Reimbursements on Quality of Care
Yesterday, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed to change the way it pays Medicare reimbursements to hospitals. (Kaiser Network) CMS seeks to reduce payments by a flat rate (2 percent to 5 percent) to create an "incentive payment pool" for hospitals that meet quality of care thresholds. According to CQ HealthBeat, the plan would create a "Value-Based Purchasing Program." Under this program, a hospital's diagnosis-related group reimbursements would be based on quality … [Read more...] about CMS Set to Base Medicare Hospital Reimbursements on Quality of Care