Key Components for Intensive Outpatient Program Retention
Here are some practical strategies to build programs that address these challenges and ultimately achieve real, lasting improvement and patient success.
Navigating Medicare Advantage Compliance One Year After the Two-Midnight Rule
The goal of the Two-Midnight Rule, originally introduced under traditional Medicare Part A, was to reduce hospital admissions and to ensure the appropriate use of inpatient versus outpatient observation status. Here are some challenges and best practices.
The Power of One: Redefining Healthcare with an AI-Driven Unified Platform
In a landscape where complexity has long been the norm, the power of one lies not just in unification, but in intelligence and automation.
Why Are Hospitals Fighting Site-Neutral Payments So Fervently?
Establishing site-neutral payments for outpatient services is a hot issue in Capitol Hill right now. Advocates say that such policy would lower healthcare costs, saving both patients and taxpayers money. Opponents say that it would put hospitals’ financial security at risk and jeopardize access to care.
Why Provider Groups Are Denouncing CMS’ New Payment Rules
CMS finalized updates to its physician fee schedule for 2024, as well as finalized the rule for next year’s Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS). Provider groups are displeased with the updated rules, arguing that both physicians and provider organizations need more monetary relief than what the agency is offering.
‘This Is Almost Biblical in Its Impact’: Providers Push Back Against CMS’ New Proposed Rules
CMS recently revealed its proposals to raise reimbursement rates for hospital outpatient departments and cut payments for physicians. Next year, the agency is planning to decrease physicians’ pay by 1.25% and increase outpatient payment rates by 2.8%. Provider groups are unhappy with the news — AMA President Dr. Jesse Ehrenfeld said the new physician fee schedule will be “almost biblical in its impact.”
Blue Cross NC to cover telehealth for behavioral health, primary care, outpatient services
Behavioral health, primary care and outpatient visits accounted for more than 97% of telehealth claims received by Blue Cross NC over the last two years, according to newly released data from the payer. In response, the new Blue Cross NC telehealth policy will continue covering these services. But it will not cover telehealth for areas that were found less effective when provided virtually, such as laboratory testing and radiology.
NEMT Partner Guide: Why Payers and Providers Should Choose MediDrive’s TMS
Alan Murray on improving access for medical transportation.
Report: Telehealth use plateaus, but still 38 times higher than pre-pandemic levels
Though telehealth use has dropped since hitting its peak last April, it has stabilized at a much higher level than before the pandemic, says a new report. But not all specialties utilize telehealth equally, with uptake especially high in psychiatry and substance use disorder treatment.
The role of real estate in the future of healthcare
The evolution of healthcare away from traditional hospital campuses is gaining momentum as new technology has become a key driver in the shift to outpatient care.