Health disparities have received plenty of attention lately, and for good reason. These differences, which exist among various groups in the United States, can affect everything from readmission rates to health outcomes and are often the result of environmental, social, and economic factors.
Irene, an expert medical case manager, is worried about her mother, Sadie, who is 87 years old with severe cardiovascular disease and mild-to-moderate dementia. Sadie lives in an assisted living facility. Clearly, she belongs to the group identified as being the most vulnerable to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Q: How has the 2-midnight rule been impacted by waivers issued during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic? What changes should case managers be aware of?
Q: The communication gap between healthcare providers and family members is arguably most apparent now than it has ever been. What role can case managers play to help narrow this gap?
CMS released data for novel coronavirus (COVID-19) hospitalizations in the first half of 2020, highlighting total Medicare payment for fee-for-service COVID-19 hospitalizations, discharge statuses, and average length of stay.
The COVID-19 pandemic will have a significant effect on both health systems and patients. As we continue to understand its clinical, psychosocial, and economic consequences, especially the magnitude of the financial losses to hospitals, the development of new and innovative ways to connect with and support patients is a silver lining.
Q: A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that approximately 50% of heatlhcare workers in China experienced depression and nearly 45% had anxiety. How should healthcare workers handle the emotional stress that comes with working during the COVID-19 pandemic?
The COVID-19 pandemic has been stressful for everyone, but medical professionals who are working directly with sick patients—and in turn putting themselves and potentially their families at risk—face unique levels of trauma.
Q: If our organization failed to provide the Medicare Outpatient Observation Notice (MOON) or the Important Message from Medicare (IM) form to a patient during the chaos of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, should we avoid submitting a Medicare claim for the case?
COVID-19 Medicare billing rules continue to evolve, so it can be challenging to stay abreast of the developments. Some recent changes have given case managers and hospitals more flexibility when it comes to treating both COVID-19 and non-COVID patients, as medical practices increasingly look to resume providing elective surgeries and other procedures.
