This week’s Medicare updates include new additions to the OIG Work Plan, transmittals on implementation of the End-Stage Renal Disease Prospective Payment System (PPS) and Home Health PPS, and a Special Edition MLN Matters article on waivers to assist with wildfire relief in California.
A collaborative health program between medical and community service groups in Pierce County, Washington, has led to a 44% reduction in 911 calls, a 47% reduction in ambulance transports, and a 36% reduction in emergency department visits within the first two years of the program.
There is a lot of pressure on hospitals and other healthcare providers to improve the patient experience by utilizing mobile health apps to make it easier to communicate with patients and their families. But with the pros of mobile apps come cons.
Case managers working with very ill patients already know that many people will struggle financially with their health problems, and a recent survey found that among people struggling with serious illnesses, 53% believed they were at risk of financial ruin as a result.
CNO Financial Group recently reported a data breach which compromised the protected health information of 566,271 individuals to HHS’ Office of Civil Rights. The breach occurred in the company’s Bankers Life and Casualty Co. division in Chicago.
