Focus care on patients and families to improve quality

September 1, 2012
Case Management Monthly

In October, CMS will start including hospital scores on the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey in its calculations for the valude-based incentive programs, which is part of the Value-Based Purchasing Programs. Is your organization ready?

Observation status may hurt some patients

September 1, 2012
Case Management Monthly

A recent study indicates that more Medicare patients are being assigned to observation services than in the past, and this decision may be costing these patients money, according to the July issue of Health Affairs.

Managing COPD to avoid readmissions

September 1, 2012
Case Management Monthly

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a complex condition that is a major source of readmissions at many hospitals, say Loretta Olsen, RN, MSN, the director of case management at Mercy Medical Center North Iowa in Mason City.