Category: Healthcare News

Healthcare Debate

The Future of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in the 2024 Healthcare Debate

During the Healthcare debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, healthcare—especially the Affordable Care Act (ACA)—became a central focus in the final stages of the discussion. Moderated by journalists Linsey Davis and David Muir, the Healthcare debate showcased starkly different perspectives on the future of the ACA. Trump’s Unclear Healthcare Plan: […]
medical coding and CDI

Unlocking AI Power for Medical Coding and CDI: Essential Features

 Unlocking the Power of AI: Essential Features for Medical Coding and CDI Tools: When choosing an AI tool to improve medical coding or clinical documentation integrity (CDI), healthcare organizations navigate a complex landscape of emerging technologies. To ensure the right selection, focus on key features that enhance accuracy, efficiency, and compliance. One crucial aspect is […]
Prior Authorization Burdens

Addressing Prior Authorization Burdens: Recent Reforms and Expert Perspectives

The prior authorization burdens associated with the process have long been a source of frustration for healthcare providers and patients. These burdens can impede optimal care by creating delays in treatment and increasing administrative tasks. However, recent legislative changes and insurer policies aim to alleviate these concerns and streamline the prior authorization process. A radiation […]
Surgery Modifiers

Surgery Modifiers Require Specific Documentation

Using surgery modifiers to accurately represent the role of assistant surgeons has become increasingly important over the past three decades. Initially, a simple mention of the assistant surgeon’s name in the operative note header sufficed. However, as the healthcare landscape evolved, payers began demanding more granular details about the assistant surgeon’s role and contributions to […]
2025 Medicare payment policies

Proposed Medicare Payment Policies for 2025

The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have proposed new 2025 Medicare payment policies for hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) that aim to increase access to care and advance health equity. These policies are outlined in the 2025 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System […]
Medicare Advantage Market

Medicare Advantage Market Trends: Growth, Challenges, and Opportunities

Medicare Advantage (MA) has become a dominant force in the Medicare landscape, accounting for over 54% of overall Medicare enrollment. This trend is expected to continue, with penetration rates projected to reach 64% by 2033.  However, the future of the Medicare Advantage market is not without its challenges. The Slowdown Begins While MA has experienced […]
value-based contracts

Reducing Quality Measure Overload in Value-Based Contracts for Primary Care Physicians

With the proliferation of quality measures in value-based contracts, many primary care physicians feel overwhelmed and set up to fail. Research conducted at the healthcare system shows that these clinicians are inundated with an excessive number of quality metrics, often leading to administrative burdens and reduced patient care. One of the primary criticisms of value-based […]
Financial impact of VBC

Navigating the Financial Impact of Value-Based Care (VBC)

The financial impact of VBC is profound, necessitating adjustments in how providers approach and manage their financial operations to align with this new model of care. The healthcare industry is shifting towards value-based care (VBC), a model that prioritizes high-quality care while aiming to lower costs. In contrast to the traditional fee-for-service model, value-based care […]
Inflation Reduction Act

Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Premiums Spike Amid Inflation Reduction Act Changes

Inflation Reduction Act: A Double-Edged Sword for Medicare Beneficiaries: The Biden administration’s recent announcement of the first Medicare drug price cuts, mandated by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, has dominated headlines. However, another significant impact of this law—substantial premium hikes for some Medicare beneficiaries—has largely been overlooked. The Inflation Reduction Act represents the most sweeping […]