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By: John Commins and Janice Simmons, for HealthLeaders Media, August 4, 2009
As Congress goes into August recess, many lawmakers in both parties are saying they intend to hold public meetings with constituents to gauge their support—or disapproval–of the health plans on the table. Here's a quick look at the three plans now getting the most attention. Keep in mind that there are a lot of moving parts in these plans, and the details can fluctuate dramatically from day to day.
By: Kristen Kohrt, for HealthLeaders Media, August 3, 2009
Though many hospitals feared a 1.9% reduction in payment for 2010, they will actually see a 2.1% increase, according to the fiscal year 2010 IPPS final rule that CMS released Friday.
By: Cheryl Clark, for HealthLeaders Media, August 4, 2009
A recent federal report casts more concern that hospital emergency rooms are having increasing difficulty treating all comers, especially because federal payments and the uninsured don't pay their full cost of care. "There is a growing concern that EDs will not be able to sustain care for all persons in the current economic environment," according to the report, entitled "Payers of Emergency Department Care, 2006," that was published by the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
By: MacKenzie Kimball , for HealthLeaders Media, August 3, 2009
CMS released the final rule for fiscal year 2010 payment updates to skilled nursing facilities, leaving many industry leaders concerned about the future of long-term care.
By: Dom Nicastro, for HealthLeaders Media, August 3, 2009
The secretary of HHS shifted enforcement of the HIPAA Security Rule from CMS to the Office for Civil Rights, according to an announcement in the Federal Register.
By: Matt Phillion, for HealthLeaders Media, August 3, 2009
The Joint Commission recently announced a focus on the interpretation of standards and survey process related to sterilization using steam. Now the field is preparing to address this renewed focus.
By: Michelle Ponte, for HealthLeaders Media, August 3, 2009
For a third year in a row, San Diego-based Scripps Health has surpassed the $100 million marker in operating income. During a time of unprecedented chaos in the economy and the capital markets, the system continues to see strong returns following an overhaul that began in 2001. CFO Richard Rothberger shares post-turnaround success strategies and challenges that worry him most over the next year.
By: John Commins, for HealthLeaders Media, August 3, 2009
Other than cops, prison guards, bounty hunters, soldiers, pro wrestlers, and emergency nurses, there aren't many occupations where the expectation of violence and abuse comes with the job.