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Majority of customers are satisfied with MediCare International, shows survey

A recent survey of users of international private healthcare insurer MediCare International has reported that 95% of those surveyed were either very satisfied or satisfied with their overall service experience.

14 Aug 2014

Researchers examine reason for patients being discharged from hospice care

About 1 in 5 Medicare patients is discharged from hospice care alive, whether due to patients' informed choice, a change in their condition, or inappropriate actions by the hospice to save on hospitalization costs related to terminal illness.

14 Aug 2014

Unresolved citizenship, immigration status threaten health law coverage for 310,000 people

The federal government has mailed notification to the people in three dozen states. These people have until Sept. 5 to present green cards, citizenship documents or other information to prove their eligibility for health insurance purchased through the online insurance marketplace.

14 Aug 2014

Viewpoints: Medicaid's good deal; Medicare hospital errors; CBO on exchange coverage

If the governor and the legislature refuse to accept the federal deal [for Medicaid expansion] - as 24 states have so far - they in effect vote against one of the most fantastic cash-flow deals ever offered them. ... And it gets worse.

14 Aug 2014

Insurance rate hikes could be issue in key states

Although rate hikes average 7.5 percent nationally for the individual health insurance market, consumers in politically key states such as Florida and North Carolina may see higher increases-- and insurers are partly blaming the administration's decision to allow consumers to hold onto their old policies.

14 Aug 2014

First Edition: August 13, 2014

Today's headlines include reports that more than 300,000 people who obtained new insurance through the health law could lose it if they do not provide proof by Sept. 5 that their immigration or citizenship status makes them eligible for it.

13 Aug 2014

CAH successfully attest to Stage 2 of Meaningful Use EHR incentive program using MEDITECH

Odessa Memorial Healthcare Center in Odessa, Wash. is the first Critical Access Hospital (CAH) to successfully attest to Stage 2 of the Meaningful Use electronic health record (EHR) incentive program using MEDITECH Information Technology, Inc. administered by Engage, a division of Inland Northwest Health Services (INHS).

13 Aug 2014

Viewpoints: Robin Williams' 'wakeup call'; surprise in Medicaid growth; tools to stop Ebola in U.S.

Earlier this year, [Robin] Williams checked himself into a rehabilitation facility. And whether he needed help with addiction or mental illness - or, as is so often the case, with both - it's safe to assume he got it. He had the money to afford the best and the sad truth is that, in some cases, even the best isn't enough to save people.

13 Aug 2014

Researchers identify predictors of early rehospitalization among patients with COPD

Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston have identified predictors of early rehospitalization among patients hospitalized for complications of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This study was recently published in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society.

13 Aug 2014

Screening test for colon cancer wins FDA approval

The test, called Cologuard, can detect genetic mutations in patients' stool samples that are associated with cancerous and precancerous growths.

12 Aug 2014

First Edition: August 12, 2014

Today's headlines include stories about how the federal government's experience with healthcare.gov has led to the creation of the U.S. Digital Service.

12 Aug 2014

GOP efforts to become 'party of yes' will likely include 'realistic' proposals to change the health law

In what is emerging as an aggressive strategy for Congressional Republicans, these proposals would likely follow an early and largely symbolic vote to repeal the overhaul. Meanwhile, much is at stake in state-level elections.

12 Aug 2014

Cochlear calls for action to prevent proposed Medicare rule

If the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) adopts a new rule proposed in July, people with certain types of hearing loss will no longer be able to secure Medicare coverage for certain types of hearing prosthetics that have been covered since 2006.

12 Aug 2014

State highlights: Mo. drops many from Medicaid; Mich. Medicaid shift savings

A selection of health policy stories from Texas, Missouri, Illinois, Michigan, Florida, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Minnesota.

12 Aug 2014

NGS issues positive coverage decision for PTNS to manage symptoms of OAB

Uroplasty, Inc., a medical device company that develops, manufactures and markets innovative proprietary products for the treatment of voiding dysfunctions, today announced that National Government Services has issued a positive coverage decision for Posterior Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS) for the treatment of urinary urgency, urinary frequency and urge incontinence associated with overactive bladder (OAB). Coverage for the proprietary Urgent PC device was effective August 10, 2014.

12 Aug 2014

Black and Hispanic SLE patients are more likely to be readmitted than white patients

A new study reveals that one in six patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of being discharged.

11 Aug 2014

European Commission approves EYLEA Injection for treatment of visual impairment due to DME

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today announced that EYLEA® (aflibercept) Injection has been approved by the European Commission for the treatment of visual impairment due to Diabetic Macular Edema.

11 Aug 2014

Feds delay launch of database showing drugmakers' payments to doctors

The system, which had been expected to go public on Sept. 30, will show payments from drug and medical device makers to doctors. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services says it temporarily took down the system to investigate a possible problem.

9 Aug 2014

Articles describe barriers to, potential of greater adoption of complex care management

The care of patients with complex medical needs is widely regarded as one of the key factors driving increased U.S. health costs, and it is generally accepted that 10 to 15 percent of Medicare patients account for 65 to 75 percent of all Medicare spending.

9 Aug 2014

Hospitals slow to adopt electronic health records

Few hospitals met strict federal guidelines intended to speed adoption of electronic health records, a new study finds.

9 Aug 2014

Medicare News and Research

Majority of customers are satisfied with MediCare International, shows survey

Researchers examine reason for patients being discharged from hospice care

Unresolved citizenship, immigration status threaten health law coverage for 310,000 people

Viewpoints: Medicaid's good deal; Medicare hospital errors; CBO on exchange coverage

Insurance rate hikes could be issue in key states

First Edition: August 13, 2014

CAH successfully attest to Stage 2 of Meaningful Use EHR incentive program using MEDITECH

Viewpoints: Robin Williams' 'wakeup call'; surprise in Medicaid growth; tools to stop Ebola in U.S.

Researchers identify predictors of early rehospitalization among patients with COPD

Screening test for colon cancer wins FDA approval

First Edition: August 12, 2014

GOP efforts to become 'party of yes' will likely include 'realistic' proposals to change the health law

Cochlear calls for action to prevent proposed Medicare rule

State highlights: Mo. drops many from Medicaid; Mich. Medicaid shift savings

NGS issues positive coverage decision for PTNS to manage symptoms of OAB

Black and Hispanic SLE patients are more likely to be readmitted than white patients

European Commission approves EYLEA Injection for treatment of visual impairment due to DME

Feds delay launch of database showing drugmakers' payments to doctors

Articles describe barriers to, potential of greater adoption of complex care management

Hospitals slow to adopt electronic health records

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