Healthcare Financial News

In a June 10 letter citing concerns about alleged discrepancies, unfair bidding rules, and data anomalies in the Medicare demonstration program for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS), 40 senators supported legislation that would delay the program. The competitive bidding program is slated to begin in 10 metropolitan areas July 1.

Citing the fact that almost 4 million Medicare beneficiaries would be affected by the first round of the program, and 18 million by the second round (scheduled to start in 2009), the senators expressed their overall concern regarding the “implications for Medicare beneficiaries receiving high-quality health care.” Specifically, they urge an internal review to ensure the accuracy and effectiveness of the criteria for future bidding. Read the letter.

E-prescribing is an intelligent, efficient technology that improves patient safety and saves money by eliminating the inefficiencies of a paper-based system. So concludes a new white paper on electronic prescribing released June 11 by the Center for Health Transformation. The paper presents a comprehensive look at the technology, its benefits in saving lives and money, and how to overcome the barriers to its widespread adoption. A broad coalition of member organizations, from physicians and hospitals to health insurers, pharmacy benefit managers, and technology leaders, prepared the report.

The paper was written by Center members, including the American Hospital Association, American Medical Group Association, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, Healthvision, Microsoft, MinuteClinic, and the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association. Download the paper.