New York’s Medicaid program should cover primary and secondary chronic disease prevention and treatment, according to recommendations released October 20 by a State Health Disparities Work Group. Convened as one of ten Medicaid Redesign Team (MRT) Workgroups empanelled to make recommendations to Governor Cuomo, the Disparities Group emphasizes the need for pre-diabetes treatment, home-based asthma… Continue Reading
Agency Offers Draft of New Hospital Quality Rules
A new version of the hospital quality standards known as “Conditions of Participation” will enhance patient safety and save $900 million a year by eliminating unnecessary regulations, say two senior officials with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The draft Conditions released October 19 for a 60-day comment period are requirements for hospitals… Continue Reading
IL Shows Decline in Infections
While there are nearly a quarter of a billion blood stream infections recorded each year in America’s hospitals, the good news is the decline in one type of infection tracked by the Illinois Hospital Report Care and Consumer Guide to Health Care website. According to the website, the number of central line-associated bloodstream infections reported… Continue Reading
Regional Business Group Creates Quality-Focused Center
The Northeast Business Group on Health (NEBGH), formerly the New York Business Group on Health, has announced creation of a Solutions and Innovations Center that will work on improving the quality and value of employee health care. Under the leadership of Jeremy Nobel, MD, MPH, the Center will be guided by a Leadership Council and… Continue Reading
IPRO Senior Publication Wins Media Award
IPRO’s Healthy Seniors Newsletter has won a Mature Media Merit Award in the Healthcare Division (Single Article-Magazine/Newspaper/Newsletter – Editorial category). Now in its 20th year, the National Mature Media Awards recognize the best marketing, communications, educational materials and programs for adults age 50 and older and is the largest awards program of its kind. Other… Continue Reading
Educator Evaluates New Resident Duty Rules
New, less-publicized changes to residency work rules are likely to have a larger impact on academic medicine than simple hours adjustments, according to a physician expert at the Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. Writing in the College’s Health Policy Newsletter, Associate Dean John W. Caruso, MD, FACP notes the new residence training program requirements issued… Continue Reading
IPRO Secures Special Role in Transitions Oversight
IPRO has been awarded a special subcontract to support the Colorado QIO in managing a national Medicare Care Transitions contract. Under the terms of the three-year Care Transitions National Coordinating Center contract awarded to the Colorado Foundation for Medical Care, that organization will support all QIOs nationwide in implementing programs aimed at improving care transitions… Continue Reading
IPRO’s Oversight Extends to NJ, LA and PR
IPRO has added two more states and a U.S. territory to the list of local governments for which it provides Medicaid managed care oversight. Under the federally-supported External Quality Review Organization (EQRO) authority, independent organizations analyze the performance of Medicaid managed care plans in order to assure access and quality. In recent weeks, IPRO has… Continue Reading
Feds Promote Quality Report Cards
The U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality (AHRQ), has created three new audio podcasts to support public and private-sector performance reporting initiatives. Housed on AHRQ’s “Talking Quality” website, the podcasts address: (1) how report card developers can use social media to attract user audiences; (2) how to develop a brand identity for a performance… Continue Reading
IPRO Begins New Three-Year QIO Contract
Under a new three-year Medicare Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) contract that began August 1, IPRO will be focusing on four major themes or “Aims” including: (1) enhancing beneficiary and family-centered care, (2) improving individual patient care, (3) integrating care for populations and communities and (4) improving the overall health of populations and communities, via prevention…. Continue Reading