Dr. Farzad Mostashari’s take on everything ACO - An interview

http://www.curemd.com/insights/Dr-Farzad-Mostasharis-take-on-everything-ACO.html

http://www.cms.gov/Newsroom/MediaReleaseDatabase/Press-releases/2014-Press-releases-items/2014-08-04.html

Press release: CMS Issues Hospital Inpatient Payment Regulation

Date

2014-08-04

Title

CMS Issues Hospital Inpatient Payment Regulation

For Immediate Release

Monday, August 4, 2014

Contact

press@cms.hhs.gov

CMS Issues Hospital Inpatient Payment Regulation
Final rule strengthens tie between payment and quality improvement

The final rule issued today by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) adopts improvements in the quality of care that limit payment for hospital acquired conditions (HACs) and readmissions.  The rule, which updates Medicare payment policies and rates for inpatient stays at general acute care and long-term care hospitals (LTCHs) for fiscal year (FY) 2015, builds on the administration’s efforts for better hospital patient outcomes and slowing the long-term health care cost growth.

.....

HIPAA --- Congressional Hearing

Uncharted Territory: HIPAA In the Big Data Era

BY JONATHAN EASLEY•   JULY 27, 2014

http://energycommerce.house.gov/hearing/21st-century-technology-21st-century-cures

Cover Oregon --- Lack of IT Management Leads to State Insurance Exchange Failure

Cover Oregon, reportedly the worst state health insurance exchange, has decided to transition to the federal exchange after spending almost $200 million.  Oracle, Deloitte, and Oregon disagree on who is to blame for Cover Oregon Health Insurance Exchange failure. Oracle's contention is that it was just a vendor and not the systems integrator and Oregon had to take more responsibility.  For more details, see this KHN news item.  A federal investigation is underway to find the causes of the failure of the state exchange.
 
Recalling the big Healthcare.gov failure last year, the Cover Oregon spat is eerily similar to the blame game between Canadian IT contractor CGI and Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).  A CGI executive said then: "CMS serves the important role of systems integrator or "quarterback" on this project and is the ultimate responsible party for the end-to-end performance of the overall Federal Exchange."

Opening Post

This is my blog to keep track of the latest news on health informatics in the US. It is part of my dissertation work that I am doing in U. of Maryland College Park, RH Smith School of Business. Hopefully, it can also help connect me to others who are interested in this burgeoning area of research.