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In March 2016, 1,900 code changes to ICD-10-CM were proposed by stakeholders at the ICD-10 Coordination and Maintenance Committee meeting, in addition to several more changes to the ICD-10-PCS code set, which itself already has over 3,600 new codes.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced Part A and B deductibles and premiums for 2016. The annual deductible for Part B beneficiaries will increase and the Part A deductible is also increasing.

Hospital merger and acquisition activity will continue in 2016. Northeast hospital mergers will transform how health care is delivered in the Northeast. While health systems continue to acquire physician organizations, physician groups are also starting to merge with each other.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) issued a proposed rule featuring information related to the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS). The following is an overview of some key areas.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show that the health care industry is on pace to break 2015’s number of jobs created in the economy. Newly created health care jobs account for 1 out of 6 total jobs that were created last month in the U.S. economy. Here's the breakdown.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights resolves potential violations of HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules. Example of the significant risk to the security of patient information posed by unencrypted laptop computers and other mobile devices.

Skagit County, Washington agrees to settle potential violations of HIPAA Privacy, Security and Breach Notification Rules. They will work closely with the Dept of HHS to correct deficiencies in their HIPAA compliance program. The Office of Civil Rights investigates ePHI.

Part of the Affordable Care Act, value-based payment modifier introduces the concept of value-based payment for physician services in the Medicare program. The VBPM and the Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS Reporting). To reduce health care costs and increase the quality of healthcare.

A new frontier in the battle against fraud, waste and abuse was opened up with the widely reported April 9 release of Medicare payment data. The data provided by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) to the public will provide more transparency to taxpayer funds spent on health care.

Names of health plans on state exchanges confuse consumers. Health insurance is complicated even for consumers who have had it for years. Many consumers seeking coverage under the Affordable Care Act have not had health insurance and the choices can be particularly challenging.

Employer health insurance mandate delayed. Transition relief to help employers adjust to requirements of health care law. The purpose of the penalty is to help offset the cost to taxpayers of providing coverage or subsidies to people who cannot get affordable health insurance at work.

The administration issues standards for health insurance to address complaints. Consumer advocates welcomed the standards but insurers and employer groups complained of overregulation. The federal government set these standards for the federal health insurance exchange.

Sylvia Burwell, President Obama’s nominee for HHS Secretary, appeared before the Senate Finance Committee for a confirmation hearing. Highlights from the hearing as well as a bill that would require states with failed ACA exchange websites to return federal funds.

Hospitals to invest in new EMR purchases. Hospitals indicated which vendors they are considering and the EMR vendors are compared in the KLAS report. EMR purchases being driven by concerns about outdated technology and health system consolidation.

A discussion on how the SAFER Guide concepts, values and recommendations can advance operational and cultural safety competencies.   

Three misconceptions health care organizations typically have when navigating the SAFER Guides process, which promotes the safer adoption, implementation and use of electronic health records. 

Health care technology trends and the Affordable Care Act’s evolving rollout. Topics include Electronic Health Records EHR, medical mobile applications that help patient health care and electronic patient health information ePHI. HIPAA security and new security technology products.

As physicians opt for salaried positions, will health care costs rise? Physicians choosing hospital employment with salaried jobs and a look at increasing health care costs. Physicians have expressed concerns about the complex health care market and diminishing reimbursement from payers.

Electronic Medical Records EMR - lack of compliance programs, safeguards and training greatly increases the physician practice and hospital’s risk. Reduce exposure to audit by implementing compliance programs and safeguards. Perform routine coding and documentation audits.

CMS proposes new ICD-10 implementation date. Verbiage clearly indicates the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ intent to move forward with ICD-10 implementation. Planning for a successful transitionn to ICD-10.