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2 Min Read

Overriding doctor's orders-Case takes up hospital observation

A federal court case is shining light on the growing problem of inappropriately classifying hospital patients as “observation status” in an effort to cut down Medicare costs.

Judicial Advocacy
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2 Min Read

Deadline for Medicare meaningful use attestation extended

Physicians who participated in Medicare EHR program in 2013 now have until March 31 to attest to the meaningful use requirements, a month later than the original deadline of Feb. 28.

Medicare & Medicaid
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2 Min Read

Judge orders arbitration period for Medicare Advantage terminations

Thousands of physicians dropped from UnitedHealthcare's Medicare Advantage network without cause have been granted 30 days to challenge their termination, thanks to a recent federal court ruling.

Judicial Advocacy
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2 Min Read

Medical associations urge HHS to address Medicare appeals backlog

Following a January notice from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that Medicare appeals could be delayed for more than two years, the AMA and nearly 100 other organizations called on the Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals (OMHA) to remedy the appeals backlog. In a letter sent...

Medicare & Medicaid
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3 Min Read

Why physicians are backing SGR repeal bill

Joint legislation to repeal Medicare's fatally flawed physician payment formula announced Thursday, received AMA support in a call for Congress to fast-track the landmark legislation.

Medicare & Medicaid
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2 Min Read

How you can tip the balance for SGR repeal

A long-awaited and hard-fought bill to permanently repeal Medicare's fatally flawed SGR formula finally is before Congress, following a milestone announcement Thursday.

Medicare & Medicaid
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2 Min Read

How AMA is clearing a path for small practices to adopt EHRs

Financial constraints and other limitations have left solo practices lagging in adoption of EHR systems, according to a Commonwealth Fund study.

Digital
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2 Min Read

Joint SGR repeal bill agreed upon, moving to full Congress

New joint legislation to repeal Medicare’s failed SGR formula is advancing to both chambers of Congress following an agreement announced Thursday.

Medicare & Medicaid
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2 Min Read

Controversial "two-midnight" rule delayed ... again

A confusing Medicare policy that creates a "two-midnight" stay benchmark to distinguish between observation care and short inpatient admissions has been partially delayed a third time.

Medicare & Medicaid