Government: Page 223


  • Image attribution tooltip
    Dollar Photo Club
    Image attribution tooltip

    To make ACOs work: Act on data, shift fast to global payments

    The recommendations from a former CMS administrator come amidst a flurry of ACO formation across the U.S.

    By Judy Packer-Tursman • June 23, 2014
  • Reports: VA underperforms on women's health, overpays senior execs

    The VA says it will "adjust quickly" to improve care to hundreds of thousands of female vets. Meanwhile, execs accrued almost $3M in bonuses last year.

    By Judy Packer-Tursman • June 23, 2014
  • Trendline

    Surprise Billing

    Federal legislation banning surprise bills has hit a barrage of roadblocks, complicating efforts to protect consumers from unexpected out-of-network charges.

    By Healthcare Dive staff
  • Image attribution tooltip
    Fotolia
    Image attribution tooltip
    Deep Dive

    Communitywide screenings: Good for public health or a referral grab?

    Public Citizen has sent a letter to 20 hospitals urging them to back out of partnerships with community screening company HealthFair. Find out how some hospitals are responding. 

    By Judy Packer-Tursman • June 23, 2014
  • VA governor to expand Medicaid without General Assembly approval

    At the climax of a carefully-watched state debate, Gov. Terry McAuliffe said Friday: "Let me be clear, I am moving forward to get healthcare for Virginian citizens."

    By June 20, 2014
  • Image attribution tooltip
    Dollar Photo Club
    Image attribution tooltip

    Athenahealth's EHR dominates Stage 2 attestation

    Of the 500 eligible providers who have attested for Stage 2, over 50% use athenahealth's EMR athenaClinicals.

    By June 20, 2014
  • Image attribution tooltip
    Fotolia
    Image attribution tooltip
    Deep Dive

    UPDATED: Two hospital antitrust cases you should be watching

    With courts and the FTC paying close attention, what M&A deals may be seen as pushing the envelope too far — and what are the latest developments in those two cases? 

    By Judy Packer-Tursman • June 20, 2014
  • Telemedicine groups keep the pressure on

    Telehealth is held back by payer reimbursement policies and dated licensing policies, but if increased pressure on Congress works, there could be dramatic changes. 

    By June 20, 2014
  • Image attribution tooltip
    Fotolia
    Image attribution tooltip

    Survey: Many hospitals to begin ACOs, risk contracts in next year

    The trend towards risk-based initiatives isn't slowing down any time soon. In fact, expect to see even more hospitals taking on this kind of arrangement next year. 

    By Judy Packer-Tursman • June 20, 2014
  • VT health system rebrands amid a growing national trend

    What's in a name? Increasingly, hospitals trying to position themselves in the market are seeking a competitive edge by rebranding themselves.

    By Judy Packer-Tursman • June 20, 2014
  • Image attribution tooltip
    Fotolia
    Image attribution tooltip

    Health exchange subsidies cut premiums by 76%

    ...but premiums vary from state to state, as well as the size of the subsidies and proportion of beneficiaries who qualify for financial help.

    By June 19, 2014
  • House committee explores barriers to health IT adoption

    A new white paper looks at the potential for data analytics and mobile medical apps — and asks hard questions about data security and patient privacy. 

    By June 19, 2014
  • Image attribution tooltip
    Fotolia
    Image attribution tooltip

    Mass. nurses fighting hospitals at the ballot box

    State nurses have tried for years to change staffing ratios and publicize CEO finances. Lawmakers failed to act, so nurses are trying a new tactic.

    By Judy Packer-Tursman • June 19, 2014
  • Image attribution tooltip
    Fotolia
    Image attribution tooltip

    Aggressive enforcement of privacy breaches on the horizon

    HHS has recovered more than $10 million in connection with alleged HIPAA violations since mid-2013 alone, and that number is only going to rise. 

    By Judy Packer-Tursman • June 19, 2014
  • Fla. hospitals finding ways to handle ER 'super users'

    Using caseworkers to connect frequent fliers to primary care doctors has improved access to care — but is it enough to create meaningful savings? 

    By Judy Packer-Tursman • June 18, 2014
  • HHS to limit orphan drug exclusions despite court ruling

    The agency stands by its interpretation of the statute requiring drugmakers to offer discounts to hospitals on orphan drugs when used for common conditions. 

    By June 18, 2014
  • Image attribution tooltip
    Fotolia
    Image attribution tooltip

    MedPAC proposes seven ways to improve Medicare payments

    Implementing the recommendations could close the payment gap between primary care providers and specialists.

    By June 18, 2014
  • Deep Dive

    The 4 hospitals that are saving money by 'going green'

    Eco-friendly efforts — from recycling tons of scrap metal to replacing inefficient toilets — are helping hospitals cut costs.

    By Judy Packer-Tursman • June 18, 2014
  • Image attribution tooltip
    Fotolia
    Image attribution tooltip

    Letter to CMS: Readmission penalties unfair

    Is the responsibility for reducing readmissions solely the hospital's? A June 10 letter from a group of House members says "no" and calls for relaxed sanctions.

    By Judy Packer-Tursman • June 18, 2014
  • New Chicago system is second-largest in state

    Two area hospitals have joined to create a nine-hospital system, but the partnership is not a true merger. 

    By Judy Packer-Tursman • June 18, 2014
  • Image attribution tooltip
    Fotolia
    Image attribution tooltip

    Report: US healthcare ranks last in pretty much everything

    The lead researcher called the findings "disappointing but not surprising."

    By June 17, 2014
  • Image attribution tooltip
    Fotolia
    Image attribution tooltip

    FDA will not regulate Apple HealthKit — and others

    Not only will the FDA not regulate these apps as medical devices, they aren't covered by HIPAA either. Does this create liabilities for hospitals? 

    By June 17, 2014
  • Rural hospitals get Medicare pay adjustments — for a little while

    This is good news for the nation's small, rural hospitals facing their own brand of financial pressures. But is it just another "patchwork" fix?

    By Judy Packer-Tursman • June 17, 2014
  • Boeing is first customer for employer-driven ACO

    Two health systems in Washington state are working directly with employers to customize coverage products, and the airline giant is only the beginning. But does this kind of relationship limit consumers' choices? 

    By Judy Packer-Tursman • June 16, 2014
  • Deep Dive

    5 TED Talks every healthcare exec needs to watch

    TED Talks consistently produce some of the most innovative thinking in healthcare. Take a look at the five most important speakers over the last few years who echo the ideas leading executives are talking about. 

    By June 16, 2014
  • Image attribution tooltip
    Fotolia
    Image attribution tooltip
    Deep Dive

    Medicaid ACOs on the rise, despite challenges

    With 19 states now using some form of a Medicaid ACO, the model comes with both promises and challenges. 

    By Judy Packer-Tursman • June 16, 2014