Medicare Physician Pay Rule Targets Reporting Burden
July 17—Physician advocates are hailing a range of Medicare policy changes that were included in a recently proposed payment rule and are aimed at reducing clinicians’ administrative burden.
CMS Tweaks BPCI-A Time Frames
July 16—Some key timing parameters of the next large Medicare alternative payment model were changed in recent weeks.
What’s Driving Increased Hospital Cost Concerns?
July 13—The case for greater cost control at hospitals received its latest boost from a recent national survey of hospital executives. The growing urgency comes amid shrinking margins and cash flow.
July 16-20: Congress to Examine Stark Law Modifications; Verma Pledges Changes
July 12—As Congress gears up to examine statutory changes to the Stark Law next week, the Trump administration is planning to implement changes on an administrative basis.
Congress Pushes 340B Bills to Cut Eligibility, Increase Reporting
July 11—Members of Congress this week pushed emerging legislation to restrict the ability of hospitals and other providers to qualify for the 340B discount drug program and to increase their reporting requirements.
MA Gets Better Outcomes Despite Sicker Enrollees: Study
July 10—Contrary to general belief, Medicare Advantage (MA) plan enrollees are initially sicker than those in fee-for-service (FFS) Medicare, according to new research. And once enrolled, MA beneficiaries get better care at a lower cost.
Azar Promises Drugmaker Penalty Rule Coming
July 9—A five-times-delayed rule that would stiffen drugmaker penalties—among other provisions—will be implemented, the Trump administration’s healthcare policy leader told providers on Monday.
Transparency, Interoperability, DSH Changes Lead Hospital IPPS Concerns
July 6—Hospital advocates recently raised a range of concerns about proposed Medicare payment policy changes, including transparency and interoperability requirements and a new way to calculate uncompensated care payments.
Pilot to Offer APM Bonuses to Physicians in Medicare Advantage
July 3—Medicare plans to launch a pilot—as soon as this year—to allow physicians paid through Medicare Advantage value-based arrangements to qualify for the same bonuses as those working in advanced alternative payment models.
On Costs, Congress Eyes Transparency, Billing, Consolidation
July 2—Members of Congress say they are increasingly concerned about rising healthcare costs and are looking at policies around transparency, balance billing, and provider consolidation.