Comparing the effectiveness of drug treatments
January 14th 2008Most Medicare providers and beneficiaries are unaware of the provision for comparative effectiveness research which is part of the Medicare Modernization Act. Politicians, policymakers, and manufacturers view it as a key initiative for the future of Medicare and beyond.
Latebreakers: CMS compromises on hospital pharmacy payment system rules
November 19th 2007Hospitals will not have to deduct pharmacy overhead costs from drug acquisition costs on Medicare claims, nor will they have to report overhead charges as a separate billing line item. However, CMS refused to back off its proposal to cut the 2008 reimbursement rate for all separately payable drugs.
Many hospitals are still noncompliant on medication reconciliation
September 17th 2007A recent Institute for Safe Medication Practices teleconference with a surveyor from The Joint Commission highlighted the rigor with which TJC is implementing its medication management standards and National Patient Safety Goals.