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Policy and Legislation

By Chris Anderson | 11:45 am | October 24, 2012
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services last week filed a proposed settlement in the class-action lawsuit, Jimmo vs. Sebelius, which challenged the long-standing "improvement standard", which the lawsuit contends illegally denies Medicare benefits for a range of skilled nursing and home health services.
By Stephanie Bouchard | 04:58 pm | October 23, 2012
Think the transition to ICD-10 is just learning a bunch (a real big bunch) of new codes? Think again. A session held Oct. 22 during MGMA-ACMPE's annual conference in San Antonio laid out the impact of ICD-10 on physician practices and how they can prepare for it on the cheap.
By Rene Letourneau | 01:03 pm | October 23, 2012
The Federal Trade Commission recently held a daylong workshop to examine the ways pet medications are distributed in the U.S. and how the current practices affect consumer choice and price competition. Pet meds are big business -- American consumers spend $7 billion on them annually -- and veterinarians and pharmacists are wrangling for their piece of the pie.
By David Williams | 10:50 am | October 23, 2012
Looking for a way to send ObamaCare foes into a tizzy? Try suggesting emulating the French system. In any way.
By Stephanie Bouchard | 12:07 am | October 23, 2012
A panel discussion taking place at MGMA-ACMPE's annual conference in San Antonio Monday morning focused on the state of healthcare with an eye toward the future.
By Stephanie Bouchard | 12:24 pm | October 19, 2012
Since the Affordable Care Act was created, critics have argued that the healthcare law fails to contain healthcare costs. A new brief from the Urban Institute presents evidence illustrating the ACA's cost containment measures, but leaves room for the debate to continue.
By Rene Letourneau | 10:08 am | October 19, 2012
Containing healthcare costs and improving the quality of care are among the state's top priorities said Massachusetts Democratic Gov. Deval Patrick at the Massachusetts Medical Society's State of the State's Health Care 13th Annual Leadership Forum in Waltham, Mass. on Oct. 18.
By David Williams | 10:35 am | October 18, 2012
“Rationing” is a handy label for opponents of government involvement in healthcare to throw around. It connotes hardship during wartime and not being able to use water during a drought. Things we hate.
By Stephanie Bouchard | 10:36 am | October 17, 2012
It has been nearly 15 years since the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) iced a controversial rule requiring home health agencies (HHAs) to obtain surety bonds, but a new report by the Office of Inspector General has raised the issue again.
By Anthony Brino | 01:13 pm | October 16, 2012
Massachusetts makes its first real foray into managed care with a demonstration plan focused on dual eligibles from ages 21 to 64. The plan emphasizes patient relationships with independent living support coordinators and community-based organizations.