When the AMA revised the instructions for reporting ancillary services with critical care in 2011, facilities knew they wouldn't see an immediate increase in payment. CMS determines payment amounts through use of claims data from two years earlier, meaning the earliest facilities could expect additional reimbursement is 2013.
It's September-time to hit the books again and get back to school. If you're an aspiring HIM professional, that means learning about medical record retention.
Over the last six months, The Joint Commission's survey have continued to show a pattern in regard to findings related to the Record of Care and Treatment chapter of the Joint Commission accreditation manual. The challenging standards are outlined below, including tips for compliance.
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.
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.
