Identifying candidates for Palliative Care can now be determined through a new algorithm that could help to prepare and provide better care for terminally ill people during their final months of life. According to reports "researchers at Stanford University have developed a neural network that can determine a patient's chance of dying in the next three to 12 months in order to point doctors to them so they can more effectively deliver palliative care. The system collects and analyzes a … [Read more...] about New Algorithm Predicts Patient’s Palliative Care by Estimating the Chance of Mortality
The New Senate Tax Bill and its effect on Medicare costs
The Senate Tax Bill (HR 1 )recently passed will expand the break for high medical costs. According to reports, the bill preserve the deduction for medical expenses and lower the threshold for claiming it to 7.5% of adjusted gross income, from the current 10% but this would be temporary. By 2019 the threshold would return to 10% effectively only lasting 1 year. People aged 65 and older who previously had a medical expense deduction of 7.5% will now see it rise to 10% with the Affordable Care … [Read more...] about The New Senate Tax Bill and its effect on Medicare costs
ALF’s- Resolution of an Immediate Threat of Harm During an On-site Inspection
Provider Letter 17-36 ? If there's an Immediate Threat of Harm to the health and safety of residents at an Assisted Living Facilities during an On-site Inspection HHSC is authorized by HSC §247.042 to suspend the facility’s license or immediately close the facility. The inspector will conclude the review if, after reviewing documentation and reviewing sufficient evidence, the inspector determines that the residents are no longer at risk of serious injury, impairment or death. According to the … [Read more...] about ALF’s- Resolution of an Immediate Threat of Harm During an On-site Inspection
Extensions of Eligibility and Individual Plan of Care Authorizations for Individuals in CLASS and DBMD Impacted by Hurricane Harvey
Information Letter No. 17-25 – The information letter informs residents that were affected by Hurricane Harvey that The Texas Health and Human Services Commission can implement extensions of eligibility and individual plan of care authorizations on a case-by-case basis. An extension can be requested by a CLASS case management agency, CLASS direct service agency or DBMD program provider.The extension is for individuals that had permanent residence in a county declared a federal disaster area … [Read more...] about Extensions of Eligibility and Individual Plan of Care Authorizations for Individuals in CLASS and DBMD Impacted by Hurricane Harvey
Texas Register Update Concerning Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment (DSRIP) program.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) adopts new Division 7, concerning DSRIP Program Demonstration Years 7-8, and within the new division (Review Texas Register for programs).The following information was obtained from the Novemeber 24 issue of the Texas Register.The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved Texas' request for a new Medicaiddemonstration waiver entitled "Texas Healthcare Transformation and Quality Improvement Program" in accordance with §1115 … [Read more...] about Texas Register Update Concerning Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment (DSRIP) program.
Physician shortage in Texas spells major issues for aging population
43 US states have a higher proportion of primary care physicians to residents than Texas and 35 out 80 Texas counties have no doctors at all. According to news reports, there are not enough doctors in Texas, especially in certain rural stretches of South Texas. The shortage will require training — and retaining — more physicians in Texas but one main problem is that the state needs to add more residency slots for post-graduate medical training to remain competitive — a problem that has plagued … [Read more...] about Physician shortage in Texas spells major issues for aging population
CMS Finalizes Policies that Reduce Provider Burden, Lower Prescription Prices
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule this month for the 2018 Physician Fee Schedule and final rule with comment period for the Quality Payment Program (QPP). According to a news release by CMS, Seema Verma, Administrator of CMS explained that:“These rules move the agency in a new direction and begin to ease that burden by strengthening the patient-doctor relationship, empowering patients to realize the value of their care over volume of tests, and … [Read more...] about CMS Finalizes Policies that Reduce Provider Burden, Lower Prescription Prices
Abuse & poor quality care rate in Texas nursing homes is nearly four times the national average
Many nursing homes have hired Certified Nurse Aides with criminal histories legally. Using data from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, it has been discovered that the patient abuse rate in Texas nursing homes is nearly four times the national average. 25% of the state's 1,200 long-term care centers have been cited for serious standard deficiencies- According to reports by the AARPIn Texas, there are many nurse aides in nursing facilities that have criminal … [Read more...] about Abuse & poor quality care rate in Texas nursing homes is nearly four times the national average
(CMS) requires that Medicare-certified home health agencies (HHAs) meet the Medicare Conditions of Participation (CoPs)
Provider Letter 17-35 DADS released the latest Provider Letter 17-35 – Determination of Separate Entities which replaces PL 01-46 & PL 02-05 for Medicare Certified Home and Community Support Service Agencies. The letter details that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) requires that Medicare-certified home health agencies (HHAs) meet the Medicare Conditions of Participation (CoPs) for all clients being served by the agency, regardless of a client’s payment source. The … [Read more...] about (CMS) requires that Medicare-certified home health agencies (HHAs) meet the Medicare Conditions of Participation (CoPs)
Texas lawmakers approve major nursing home quality reforms
According to reports, the 2017 Texas regular legislative session made vast changes affecting older Texans. Lawmakers approved several top priorities for AARP Texas including bills that, among other things, will protect seniors’ financial future, improve access to health care, and help unpaid family caregivers and their families.Also included was major nursing home quality reforms that seek to hold operators of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities more accountable when they have been … [Read more...] about Texas lawmakers approve major nursing home quality reforms
