A look Back at 2011

http://www.healthcare.gov/blog/2011/12/review12282011a.html
The year 2011 has brought a lot of surprises. This was a year full of changes. While I was reading this article, it made me think of what changes I had to get used to in 2011. I think the biggest for me was the implementation of face to face encounter.  It’s been more than six months since it was introduced but still I am finding myself explaining it to providers almost every day. It is great that we can prevent Medicare fraud. Although some providers become disinterested in home care referral because they don’t want to be bothered with forms, there are a lot more embracing the change. I like to remain proactive. I believe we are headed for the right direction. Happy New Year everyone!  Looking forward to a healthier and prosperous 2012!

Payment Options for Complementary Alternative Medicine

http://nccam.nih.gov/health/financial/index.htm
I very much enjoyed the inservice given by Kathie Lipinski. It made me more aware of the connections between mind and body. It's fascinating how the mind can help our body to heal. It is also amazing to know that the US spent $33.9 billion out of pocket on Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM)treatments in 2007. I wonder what is the figure now? This just shows that more and more people are interested in what CAM can offer. Perhaps in the future, as this interest grows and as more studies shows the cost-effectiveness of such treatments, the insurance companies may offer increase coverage. For now, we have to explore other payment options.

How to Publish a Post

http://www.youtube.com/BloggerHelp#p/u/4/wX4KSiQbVW4

Hello everyone!  In case anyone is wondering how to post a comment or create one, this video tutorial is a great tool that will help you. You would need to join this site in order for you to post.Set up an account by clicking on Join this site button. After setting up one, you would need to sign in before posting. You can find the sign in button at the upper right hand corner of the screen. After you have signed in, you will see New Post next to the sign out button. Click on New Post to start posting or managing your blog. If you would like to post a comment, just click on the comment  to post. Happy posting everyone!

Healthcare reform three years from now

http://healthreform.kff.org/the-animation.aspx

This video (there's also an option for transcript) explains healthcare reform laws that we are expected to see now through 2014 as Phase 1 begins. It's very informative. I like the fact that young people will be insured through their parents insurance until age 26. Insuring those who has pre-existing conditions, eliminating lifetime limits on benefits, and tax incentives for small businesses are only a few examples of changes we are expected to see. Of course these changes all comes with a price tag.I think it's the providers who will take the cut. I can only hope that this will not discourage future doctors and others to enter/remain in healthcare profession. What do you think?

Lower Medicare Premiums- Good or Bad?

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/28/us/politics/medicare-premiums-rising-less-than-expected.html?ref=health

Interesting article. Although premiums are lower than predicted the Congressional Committee are considering new co-payments for home health care and lab services and decrease future cost of living adjustments. Given that Part B  deductible are lower, Part A deductible will increase. The article also explained that eventually 25% of Medicare Beneficiaries will pay higher premiums based on income level. I agree that the future proposals will outweigh what seemed to be a good thing for now.

Welcome to CMSA Website from CMSALI Web Committee Member, Alma
Welcome to all our CMSA members. This newly improved website is for all of our members and potential members out there. We would like to hear from you often. Please give us you opinions,suggestions,comments regarding our newly improved website. We welcome you to post your thoughts, questions or ideas. Hope to hear from you.


Patient Satisfaction tied into Medicare Reimbursement
According to CMS, Medicare will start paying hospitals that scores high on their patient satisfactions surveys. What does everyone think about the CMS value based purchasing proposal that is due to begin in 2012?