Here are seven updates:
CMS clarifies final overpayment rule
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services published the final rule on self-identified overpayments for Medicare Part A and B. The rule states overpayments have to be reported and returned only if a person identifies the overpayment within six years of the date the organization received the overpayment. The organization is required to report the overpayment within 60 days of identification. Providers and suppliers must use the applicable claims adjustment, credit balance, self-reported refund or another appropriate process to satisfy the obligations to report and return overpayments.
Joint Commission names Dr. Ronald Wyatt patient safety officer
The Joint Commission named Ronald M. Wyatt, MD, the patient safety officer, the first position of its kind. Dr. Wyatt will focus on healthcare quality and patient safety in his new role on the organization level and healthcare system level.
HCA to buy bankrupt Texas hospital
Hospital Corporation of American signed a deal to buy Dallas-based Forest Park Medical Center – Frisco (Texas) from Sabra Health Care REIT. The hospital encountered financial trouble in 2015, and the system's Frisco hospital filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last September. The deal is expected to close by the end of March, and a bankruptcy court is scheduled for Feb. 18 to approve the transaction.
Surgeon performs elbow surgery on A's catcher at Presidio Surgical Center
Jon Dickinson, MD, performed elbow surgery on Oakland Athletics catcher Stephen Vogt at Presidio Surgical Center in San Francisco. Presidio Surgical Center is accredited by The Joint Commission and is affiliated with the California Medical Center. The center offers orthopedic procedures, including total joint replacements.
Physician receives 2nd-degree murder sentence for overprescribing pain medication
A judge sentenced Lisa Tseng, MD, to 30 years to life for the murder of three people after prescribing the patients painkillers including Percocet and Vicodin. The conviction is the first time a physician has been sentenced for murdering patients by overprescribing pain medication. Dr. Tseng will be eligible for parole after serving 30 years in prison.
70% of payers lost money on individual health plans in 2015
In 2015, 70 percent of health insurance companies lost money on individual health plans. On Feb. 10, Humana reported it already has booked $176 million in losses for 2016. Due to heavy losses, the payer is seriously considering pulling out of the ACA. Blue Cross and Blue Shield paid out $20.7 billion in claims during the first three quarters of 2015.
Missouri hospital to close after incurring $17M in operating losses
Cape Girardeau, Mo.-based SouthHEALTH is closing one of its four hospitals in March. In the three years of ownership, the health system has absorbed more than $17 million in operating losses. On average, the hospital does not fill more than two beds daily.
More healthcare news:
Texas Medical Association sends Zika alert to physicians: 3 observations
Iowa Senate votes to repeal governor's Medicaid plan — 6 highlights
70% of payers lost money on individual health plans in 2015 — 4 key points