MINNESOTA
OCTOBER 2021
PHYSICIAN
THE INDEPENDENT MEDICAL BUSINESS JOURNAL
Volume XXXV, No. 07
Care Transitions Identifying & Reducing Risks BY ROBERT HANSCOM, JD; MARYANN SMALL, MBA; ANN FIALA, RN, BSN, CPHRM, CHC, CHPC; PATRICIA BENNETT, RN; BARBARA RICCI, BS AIC
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ealth care in the United States is incredibly complex and fragmented. Patients are often assessed, treated and monitored by multiple clinicians in multiple facilities which can result in a rushed and complicated episode of care that includes many players and interactions. A study by Coverys (a medical professional liability insurer) using closed claims data shows that while care transitions—in and of themselves—are not a major primary allegation in malpractice claims, they are more likely to result in indemnity payments and significant patient harm than many other types of events that trigger claims. Because health care often involves care transitions, it stands to reason that many malpractice claims that allege other primary causes (e.g., medication, diagnostic or surgical error) also have a component of risk related to one or more care transitions.
CMS Reimbursement Cuts Congress wants your money BY CHRISTOPHER CRANCER AND ZACHARY BRUNNERT
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ike the plot of Groundhog Day replaying itself year after year, physicians once again need to rally together to convince Congress and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that cuts, in some cases exceeding 9.75% to Medicare reimbursement, are not beneficial, particularly at a time when so much is asked of our health care system. For some provider types, 9.75% is the tip of the iceberg: the newest Medicare Physician CMS Reimbursement Cuts to page 124
Care Transitions to page 144
