Life is hectic, we know, so here’s a recap of the Healthcare Weekly Hot Topics you can’t afford to miss:
1) ICD-10: Inside the war rooms. Healthcare IT News, October 1, 2015.
Healthcare payers and providers have to start using ICD-10 as October 1, 2015.
2) Congress Calls for Stage 3 Meaningful Use Rule to Be Paused. EHR Intelligence, September 28, 2015.
Over 100 members of Congress have signed a letter urging the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) to refrain from finalizing Stage 3.
3) U.S. to Give Almost $700 Million in Grants to Improve Patient Care. The Wall Street Journal, September 29, 2015.
As part of the initiative to overhaul payment methods for medical providers, dozens of hospital groups, health departments, doctor associations and more will receive money to improve patient care.
4) Medicare drug plan prices set to rise in 2016, some by a lot. CNBC, September 29, 2015.
More than 15 million people enrolled in the top 10 Medicare “Part D” prescription drug plans will face average premium hikes of 8% next year.
5) Federal Health Program for Sept. 11 Responders Set to Expire. AP, September 30, 2015.
A law that provides medical monitoring and treatment for 9/11/2001 first responders expires soon, due to the failure of Congress to act.
Do you have questions about healthcare issues? We can help. For assistance, CLICK HERE.
Get “News You Can Use” delivered directly to your e-mail inbox. CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE.
P.S. If you or your patients are interested in consumer healthcare issues, check out myhealthspin.
