Changes To Medicare’s Primary-Care Payment Model Could Deter Physician Participation
Also, another look at what it means for a Medicare beneficiary to be "under observation."
Modern Healthcare:
Doctors, Payers May Dislike Changes To Primary-Care Model
A tweak in the way some providers are reimbursed under a new primary-care payment model could deter providers from joining the Medicare initiative. The CMS is looking to expand its ambitious primary-care model known as Comprehensive Primary Care Plus. But there hasn't been as much interest in the pilot as anticipated, and now the agency wants to pay incentives only to some participating providers and not others. (Dickson, 2/21)
Sun Sentinel:
Being In A Hospital 'Under Observation' Vs. Admitted Can Limit Vital Benefits For Seniors
Going into the hospital is stressful enough. But if you’re a senior on Medicare, and you stay at a hospital under “observation status,” you may end up with serious financial pain, too. That’s because Medicare may not cover some benefits — including post-hospital rehabilitation care in a nursing home — if a hospitalized patient is classified as being under observation vs. being admitted as an inpatient. (Lade, 2/21)