American Medical News - Medicare http://www.amednews.com/ Medical news from the news source for America's physicians en-us Newspaper Medical news Mon, 21 May 2012 12:00:00 GMT Copyright 2011 American Medical Association American Medical News http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/images/rss.gif http://www.amednews.com/ 88 31 The news source for America's physicians http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/05/21/gvsa0521.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/05/21/gvsa0521.htmFormer Medicare chiefs say SGR must be eliminatedPast leaders of the agency overseeing the program call on lawmakers at a Senate hearing to approve health reforms that fix Medicare’s broken pay system.Mon, 21 May 2012 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/05/14/prsb0514.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/05/14/prsb0514.htmMedicare’s no-pay rule sharpens infection-control effortsWith financial penalties on the line, hospital leaders and staffers are paying more attention to safety protocols.Mon, 14 May 2012 12:00:00 GMTProfession http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/05/14/gvsa0514.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/05/14/gvsa0514.htmMedicare’s new approach to familiar diseasesSome see coverage of intensive cardiac rehab and weight-loss counseling as growing acknowledgment that traditional medicine has limits in tackling heart disease and obesity.Mon, 14 May 2012 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/05/14/edsa0514.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/05/14/edsa0514.htmEditorial: Physicians will lead ACOs forwardGiving doctors more opportunities to participate in programs targeting costs and quality allows them to demonstrate that innovation can flow from practices of all sizes.Mon, 14 May 2012 12:00:00 GMTOpinion http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/05/07/hlsa0507.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/05/07/hlsa0507.htmOnly 7% of seniors get key preventive servicesMedication safety, fall prevention and mental illness are among the items getting short shrift in many physician offices.Mon, 7 May 2012 12:00:00 GMTHealth http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/05/07/gvsb0507.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/05/07/gvsb0507.htmAppeals court to decide fate of Medicare audit challengesPhysicians should have the right to fight the reopening of old claims, the California Medical Assn. argues.Mon, 7 May 2012 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/05/07/gvsa0507.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/05/07/gvsa0507.htmMedicare modifies ordering, referring rules for physiciansCMS removes referrals to specialists from the new paperwork rules and indefinitely delays enforcement of physician enrollment requirements.Mon, 7 May 2012 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/04/30/gvsa0430.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/04/30/gvsa0430.htmDire Medicare outlook assumes deep physician pay cutsThe program’s trustees say long-term projections will be even worse in the likely event Congress stops a 31% SGR cut from taking effect in 2013.Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/04/30/gvl10430.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/04/30/gvl10430.htmPhysicians fight “unworkable” Medicare overpayment ruleMore than 100 physician organizations adamantly oppose a requirement that practices keep 10 years of records to identify possible excess pay.Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/04/30/edsa0430.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/04/30/edsa0430.htmEditorial: A gathering storm of federal regulationsOverlapping and sometimes conflicting requirements on physicians will prove overwhelming to many practices unless they are changed.Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMTOpinion http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/04/30/bil20430.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/04/30/bil20430.htmPrices for doctor services lag behind inflationEconomists cite downward pressure on pay rates from Medicare and commercial payers.Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMTBusiness http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/04/23/prsb0423.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/04/23/prsb0423.htmNational Quality Forum adopts cost metrics for value-based purchasingEight measures in areas such as diabetes, asthma and COPD have been endorsed so far this year.Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMTProfession http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/04/23/gvsb0423.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/04/23/gvsb0423.htmAMA urges Medicare to rescind prepayment review demoIn an 11-state demonstration, recovery audit contractors would review certain hospital procedures before issuing payment.Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/04/23/gvl10423.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/04/23/gvl10423.htmMore physicians calling the shots in latest round of ACOsMost of the new accountable care organizations approved by Medicare are led by doctors, who can share bonuses for keeping patients healthy and cutting costs.Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/04/23/edsa0423.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/04/23/edsa0423.htmA focus on the costliest patientsConnected coverage -- selected articles on trends, challenges and controversies in the changing world of medicine.Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMTOpinion http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/12/19/gvsa1219.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/12/19/gvsa1219.htmMedicare opens physician claims to researchersQualified organizations can develop doctor report cards starting next year after gaining access to Medicare's claims database under a final rule.Mon, 19 Dec 2011 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/12/12/gvsd1212.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/12/12/gvsd1212.htmGOP senators chide Medicare over enrolled felonsThe Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services says it is implementing new safeguards to strengthen an already stringent system.Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/12/12/gvl11212.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/12/12/gvl11212.htmEarly EMR adopters get a break; tougher criteria delayed to 2014Physicians who didn't wait until 2012 to get their first meaningful use bonus will have an extra year to meet more rigorous reporting thresholds.Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/12/05/gvsd1205.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/12/05/gvsd1205.htmNew CMS program to assist physician ID theft victimsThe remediation initiative will offer a doctor relief if personal and professional information are used to defraud Medicare or Medicaid.Mon, 5 Dec 2011 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/12/05/gvl11205.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/12/05/gvl11205.htmSuper committee gone, 27% Medicare pay cut threat remainsThe failure of the congressional debt panel leaves the 2012 SGR cut unresolved and threatens physicians with additional pay reductions starting in 2013.Mon, 5 Dec 2011 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/12/05/bisb1205.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/12/05/bisb1205.htmPhysicians uncertain about taking part in ACOsWith final regulations released for the Medicare shared savings program and commercial insurers designing accountable care organizations, the decision is whether to sign up.Mon, 5 Dec 2011 12:00:00 GMTBusiness http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/11/28/prsh1128.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/11/28/prsh1128.htmAMA hoping to stop ICD-10 use in billingAssociation delegates agree on a resolution to oppose the switch to the new diagnosis coding set.Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:00:00 GMTProfession http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/11/28/gvsb1128.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/11/28/gvsb1128.htmMedicare RACs to conduct prepayment reviews for doctors, hospitalsThe Obama administration aims to prevent improper payments, but physician and hospital organizations are concerned that the audits will create more administrative work.Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/11/28/gvsa1128.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/11/28/gvsa1128.htmMedicare demonstration projects: From idea to implementationMany Medicare demos never survive tryouts, but enough have made the cut that the process might be integral to a payment system overhaul.Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/11/28/gvl21128.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/11/28/gvl21128.htm3% tax withholding on Medicare pay repealedThe IRS regulation, set to take effect in 2013, was designed to target delinquent government contractors but would have affected some Medicare physician payments.Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/11/28/edca1128.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/11/28/edca1128.htmACO changes show the power of organized medicineAMA Leader Commentary - A message to all physicians about current events in medical practiceMon, 28 Nov 2011 12:00:00 GMTOpinion http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/11/21/gvsc1121.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/11/21/gvsc1121.htmRomney calls for more Medicare competitionThe GOP presidential candidate also would support reducing federal spending by increasing the eligibility age for the program to 67 and capping Medicaid spending.Mon, 21 Nov 2011 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/11/21/gvsb1121.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/11/21/gvsb1121.htm2 senators probe insurers and labs for possible kickback violationsAn earlier settlement between California and Quest Diagnostics involved questions about insurers sending tests to certain laboratories in exchange for discounts.Mon, 21 Nov 2011 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/11/14/gvsd1114.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/11/14/gvsd1114.htmCMS pushes back Medicare revalidation deadline to 2015The AMA advocated for changes to the process of re-enrolling 1.4 million health professionals.Mon, 14 Nov 2011 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/11/14/gvl11114.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/11/14/gvl11114.htmMedicare 27.4% doctor pay cut set for 2012 unless Congress actsCMS says its hands are tied on the pay formula but agrees to scale back additional pay reductions planned for interpreting imaging scans.Mon, 14 Nov 2011 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/11/07/gvsc1107.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/11/07/gvsc1107.htmLawmakers try to eliminate Medicare coverage technicalitySome patients are left with big bills from skilled nursing facilities after hospital stays under observation status.Mon, 7 Nov 2011 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/11/07/gvsa1107.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/11/07/gvsa1107.htmHouse passes bill to stop 3% withholding rule on Medicare payThe American Medical Association supports repealing the tax provision. Senators disagree over how to offset the revenue loss.Mon, 7 Nov 2011 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/10/31/gvl11031.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/10/31/gvl11031.htmCMS redesigns Medicare ACOs to be more appealing to physiciansOrganized medicine continues to review the final rule but welcomes what it says are needed changes to the shared savings program.Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/10/31/bisb1031.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/10/31/bisb1031.htmMedicare Advantage plans look for physician buy-in on five-star rating systemOnly nine plans reached the coveted status in 2011, earning bonuses and the right to enroll beneficiaries year-round in 2012.Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:00:00 GMTBusiness http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/10/24/gvsc1024.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/10/24/gvsc1024.htmSGR repeal, health care cuts among ideas sent to super committeeCongressional committees had until Oct 14 to submit suggestions, which included drug rebates and Medicaid block grants, to reduce the nation's deficit.Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/10/24/gvsb1024.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/10/24/gvsb1024.htmLawmakers told Medicare reform begins with elimination of SGRThink tank leaders urge senators to find an alternative to the Medicare payment formula so other changes will follow.Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/10/24/gvsa1024.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/10/24/gvsa1024.htm170,000 Medicare patients suspected of doctor shopping for drugsThe GAO urges more controls to prevent fraud, including restrictions on those who seek prescriptions for controlled substances from multiple doctors.Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/10/24/bisb1024.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/10/24/bisb1024.htmUnited offers direct-to-consumer hearing tests and aidsThe health plan says the program will save patients thousands of dollars, but physicians question whether it's good medicine.Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:00:00 GMTBusiness http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/10/17/gvsc1017.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/10/17/gvsc1017.htmMedPAC plan repeals SGR, but cuts doctor payThe AMA and others in organized medicine are speaking out against the recommendations.Mon, 17 Oct 2011 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/10/17/edsa1017.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/10/17/edsa1017.htmEditorial: Medicare project promotes coordinated careThe Comprehensive Primary Care Initiative will provide patient management fees to physicians in an innovative approach to boost quality and save on treatment costs.Mon, 17 Oct 2011 12:00:00 GMTOpinion http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/10/10/prsa1010.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/10/10/prsa1010.htmHospitals make almost no headway in cutting readmissionsAbout 1 in 6 Medicare patients was rehospitalized within 30 days in 2009 -- a rate that must improve by October 2012 to avoid penalties.Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:00:00 GMTProfession http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/10/10/gvsc1010.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/10/10/gvsc1010.htmLawmakers push super committee to make major Medicare pay reformsSome want panel members to incorporate a physician payment overhaul into their debate about long-term deficits.Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/10/10/gvl11010.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/10/10/gvl11010.htmMedicare tests monthly incentives for innovative primary careParticipating practices will receive an average of about $20 per patient per month to coordinate quality care for Medicare and private patients.Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/10/03/gvsb1003.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/10/03/gvsb1003.htm$2 billion in temporary Medicare add-ons set to expireThe American Medical Association and others are urging Congress to maintain pay floors and other sunsetting provisions.Mon, 03 Oct 2011 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/10/03/bisd1003.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/10/03/bisd1003.htmHumana's purchase is latest move to consolidate Medicare Advantage marketAnother large health plan absorbs a smaller player. The company made a similar acquisition just a month ago.Mon, 03 Oct 2011 12:00:00 GMTBusiness http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/09/26/gvsa0926.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/09/26/gvsa0926.htmAdvisory panel proposes Medicare physician pay cutsDraft MedPAC recommendations suggest reducing payments to specialists to stabilize rates for primary care.Mon, 26 Sep 2011 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/09/26/gvl10926.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/09/26/gvl10926.htmMedicaid claims audits to begin in JanuaryCMS adjusted the RAC program in several ways supported by doctors, including requiring auditors to employ them as medical directors.Mon, 26 Sep 2011 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/09/19/gvsc0919.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/09/19/gvsc0919.htmHealth care fraud prosecutions reach new highA report shows that in 2011, the government already has surpassed the total for all of 2010.Mon, 19 Sep 2011 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/09/19/gvsa0919.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/09/19/gvsa0919.htmCMS chief seeks cost control through better qualityMeanwhile, a study cites high physician pay in the U.S. relative to other countries as a significant driver of spending in the system.Mon, 19 Sep 2011 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/09/19/gvl10919.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/09/19/gvl10919.htmMedicare pay-for-performance plan criticized over early launchCMS proposes adjusting 2015 payments for some doctors by using quality and efficiency measured in 2013.Mon, 19 Sep 2011 12:00:00 GMTGovernment http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/09/19/edsa0919.htmhttp://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/09/19/edsa0919.htmEditorial: Medicare e-prescribing still too rigidPhysicians have an additional opportunity to avoid electronic prescribing penalties, but more program flexibility is needed.Mon, 19 Sep 2011 12:00:00 GMTOpinion