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AMA Infuriated by Medicare’s “No-Pay” List
The American Medical Association isn’t too thrilled by the planned expansion of Medicare’s “No-Pay” List. Starting in October 2008, CMS will no longer reimburse for care for the following: pressure ulcers, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, Stephylococcus aureus septicemia, air embolism, blood incompatibility, and an object left behind in a surgical patient.
I agree with the first one (pressure ulcers) for the most part, and definitely with the last three — these three items are sometimes called “never events” because they should… More »
“Secret shoppers” in the doctor’s office
Members of the American Medical Association would like to keep “secret shoppers” — or people pretending to be patients so that they can assess something about a physician’s visit — out of the doctor’s office. The physicians have a point. Physicians are strapped for time and put considerable cognitive and emotional energy into each patient visit. Each “secret shopper” visit (or, let’s call it what it is — an unnecessary, pretend visit) takes up resources and time, and may not… More »