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Editor's Picks
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Feds Target Radiology Imaging Payment
Physician radiology services' annual price tag for Medicare has more than doubled to $14 billion between 2000 and 2006. Services related to advanced imaging—specifically CT, MRI, and PET scans—account for a large portion of the costs rising from $3 billion to $7.6 billion in that time. Payments for MRI alone account for nearly half. As a result, federal officials are evaluating two major ways to lower what it pays for imaging providers: prior authorization—especially for advanced imaging technologies—and restructuring the payment formula by lowering the value of equipment factored into the equation. [Read More]
New CCHIT Certification Process to Remain Flexible
The Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology will publish its final 2009-2010 certification criteria on Friday, but there will likely be more changes to follow after the Office of the National Coordinator releases a final set of EHR standards and certification criteria. Because of the unknowns still looming, CCHIT will delay the launch of its 2009-2010 certification program until it has reviewed the draft standards and certification criteria that are due to HHS by August 26. It also has not established a final implementation date for its new criteria and testing. [Read More]
Online service holds your spot at hospital
Based on a 2007 report by Press Ganey Associates, the average time spent in U.S. emergency rooms was 240 minutes. But what if patients could make an online reservation for an emergency room visit? And better yet, if they aren't seen by a physician or physician assistant within 15 minutes of the specified time, there is no charge. Seem too good to be true? That is exactly the service a new product called InQuickER offers its customers. The service costs $24.99 per use. It will be interesting to see how many hospitals and patients choose to use this type of service. And then there's the argument that if you are well enough to schedule an appointment, perhaps you don't need ED services after all. [Read More]
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Tech Headlines
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Hospital Uses EMR to Improve Handoff Process and Create Electronic 'Hall Pass'
Heather Comak, for HealthLeaders Media - May 29, 2009
Illinois hospital has a hit with its quick online cardiac health assessment
Chicago Tribune - May 27, 2009
CVS Works on Patient Privacy Improvements Following Fine
Dom Nicastro, for HealthLeaders Media - June 1, 2009
Aetna site hacked; 65,000 to receive credit monitoring
AP/Hartford Courant - May 29, 2009
Hospital Learns Lessons During its Transition to ISO 9001 Certification
Matt Phillion, for HealthLeaders Media - June 1, 2009
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Events & Product News
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UnitedHealth's Ingenix Buys Medical Bills Auditor
Webcasts
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June 17, 2009: HIPAA Changes: New Compliance Strategies for New Marketing Models
June 26, 2009: ICU Overhaul 2009: Strategies to Reduce Costs and Improve Quality
On Demand: Service Lines Strategies Workshop: Cardiovascular Physician Alignment
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| From HealthLeaders Magazine |
Cash for Computers
With an 11-figure incentive to invest in information technology and electronic medical records, healthcare executives need to determine if this offer from Uncle Sam is the kind of help that they are prepared to accept. [Read More]
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IT Forum
RACs—Self Assessment and Aggressive Appeals Are Key: Reimbursement investigations will likely be pursued in numbers and with a tenacity not previously seen in the Part B Medicare program. Data from the demonstration project shows that while very few providers appealed, those who did saw a high percentage of wins. An aggressive appeals stance on the part of providers, therefore, will likely emerge as a significant deterrent against marginal investigations as the program matures. [Read More] |
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Audio Feature
Hospital-Physician Alignment—What You Need to Know Today: Deane Corliss, vice-chair of the Health Care Practice Group at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP, discusses what is driving hospital-physician alignment today and offers sound advice before you pony up the legal fees. [Listen Now] |
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