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Quality and Safety

By Mary Mosquera | 09:48 am | October 11, 2011
Alternative benefit models rely on cost-sharing approaches for seniors, while some MedPAC members urged benefits that encourage changing unhealthy behaviors.
By Stephanie Bouchard | 10:14 am | October 10, 2011
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services have launched a parallel review pilot program that allows medical devices to be reviewed for approval by the FDA and CMS at the same time.
By Rene Letourneau | 09:36 am | October 10, 2011
In light of the record drug shortages currently plaguing U.S. healthcare, Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) is calling for a Federal Trade Commission investigation into gray market drug resellers' exorbitant price mark-ups as possible price gouging.
By Rene Letourneau | 04:36 pm | October 06, 2011
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reported Thursday that nearly 20.5 million people with Medicare have had a free Annual Wellness Visit or received other preventive services with no deductible or cost sharing this year, thanks to funding through the Affordable Care Act.
By Molly Merrill | 11:14 am | October 06, 2011
The Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance (MITA) and the Access to Medical Imaging Coalition (AMIC) have called on Congress to reject a proposal that is part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association's plan to save the healthcare system $319 billion, because it would require Medicare to use prior authorization for advanced imaging services.
By Chris Anderson | 11:02 am | October 06, 2011
Partners HealthCare, a nine-hospital health system with 1,300 primary care physicians and more than 6,000 specialists has agreed to join Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts' Alternative Quality Contract (AQC) global payment model beginning Jan. 1, 2012.
By Chris Anderson | 09:41 am | December 30, 2010
In a move that dramatically changes how it pays end-stage renal disease facilities, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on Wednesday issued a final rule that will allow payment adjustments based on how well facilities meet dialysis performance standards.
By Diana Manos | 10:52 am | December 29, 2010
Hospital designers are turning to nurses to help design better care space, according to a new report by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
By Eric Wicklund | 10:19 am | December 28, 2010
Two healthcare networks in North Carolina's competitive Research Triangle are waging a sometimes-heated battle for affiliations with local physician practices.
By Molly Merrill | 02:55 pm | December 26, 2010
According to a new study, one in six physicians in 2008 reported that their practice owned or leased advanced imaging equipment.