With the transition to “value-based care” well underway and healthcare’s shift from volume-based to value-based payment (VBP), significant barriers still remain for many providers while others have become more comfortable with VBP participation. A recent study, by the American Academy of Family Physicians and Humana measured providers perceptions and attitudes towards value-based payment models to...
Earlier this month, CMS delivered its final rule on the Quality Payment Program, starting January 1st, 2018. The following are eight critical points from the Final Rule that you should be aware of: Full details from the final rule can be found at: https://www.cms.gov/Newsroom/MediaReleaseDatabase/…. References:
Providing safe and efficient care is a priority for most healthcare organizations. One key component to successfully doing so involves being proactive in preventing issues that may endanger or be unsafe for patients. Below is a list of top patient safety concerns for healthcare organizations in 2017. The following list of patient safety concerns was...
As the Quality Payment Program approaches its second year in 2018, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) are proposing several changes and updates in an effort to improve patient outcomes, increase coordination of patient care, reduce the burden on small and rural practices, while increasing participation and program flexibility. The goal is to...
Compliance and ethics are not just legal requirements in healthcare; they are also critical components to safe, quality patient care. Regardless, the size or specialty of the practice or facility, all medical organizations face healthcare compliance concerns. What is healthcare compliance? Healthcare compliance is the continuous process of abiding by legal, ethical, and professional standards...
Transparency is considered an essential element to improving the quality of health care. Without transparency, patients cannot make informed decisions. Without transparency, it is not possible to have a culture of safety. What is transparency? Transparency is defined as the free and uninhibited flow of information that is open to the scrutiny of others. (2)...
The failure to properly train employees on hazardous chemicals such as formaldehyde is the second most frequently cited violation in healthcare facilities across the US. In fact, fines as much as $112,000 have been issued by The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to healthcare facilities for the failure to provide employees with the proper...
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) just issued new penalty adjustments that will go into effect this month, based on recent legislation that requires federal agencies to adjust their civil penalties to account for inflation. It has been more than 25 years since OSHA last adjusted their maximum penalties, therefor an increase of 78%...
What is MACRA? The “Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015” or “MACRA,” was signed into law on April 16, 2015. The legislation replaces the current Medicare reimbursement schedule which is based on a fee-for-service model with a new pay-for-performance program that is focused on quality, value, and accountability. According to The Centers for...
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has five guidelines and standards to help prevent injuries, reduce health risks, and protect both patients and employees. Below are some of the most frequently found hazards and standards for medical and dental offices: The information above includes some of the most frequently found hazards and standards in...
