CMS Proposes Modest Hospital Payment Increase, Adds Quality Measures

Medicare inpatient prospective payment system (IPPS) rates at general acute care hospitals would increase by 0.8 percent in FY14, according to the proposed IPPS rule issued April 26 by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Read more here.

HFMA Analysis: HFMA is concerned about the continuation of insufficient payment updates to hospitals and, in particular for this proposed rule, rural providers. Additionally, while HFMA continues to strongly support the transition to value-based reimbursement, we have reservations about some of the technical details—both existing and newly proposed—of value-based programs outlined in the 2014 IPPS rule. As always, HFMA will work with members to identify ways to improve the proposed rule and will provide comments and technical assistance related to the proposed rule to CMS.    

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2013-14 HFMA Chair's Theme

2013–14 HFMA CHAIR STEVEN P. ROSE, FHFMA, CPA

In health care today, we all need to do whatever it takes to provide high-quality care at a lower cost in an environment where delivering value is more important than ever. That means pitching in and working together to accomplish tasks or solve problems that are not typically within the finance domain. Such opportunities present themselves in a myriad of small ways every day.   More......

HFMA Membership Renewal

We value your commitment to HFMA. To continue your member benefits, please watch your e-mail and your mailbox for valuable information on renewal of your membership. You can also renew online or by calling (800) 252-4362, ext. 2.

Congratulations Chapter Life Members

We congratulate the following members who were approved as Chapter Life Members by their chapter leadership, and by the Regional Executive Council and the HFMA Board of Directors at their April meeting. We thank them for their years of service to HFMA.

Bipartisan Group Recommends Rx for Efficient, Patient-Centered Care

A bipartisan group recommends changes to Medicare policy and a limit on the income-tax exclusion for employer-sponsored health benefits as measures for containing healthcare costs and improving quality of care. Read more here.

Study: Slowdown in Health Spending Growth Linked to the Economy

The slower growth rate in the nation’s healthcare spending in recent years stems mainly from economic factors beyond the healthcare system, according to a study by the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Altarum Institute. More rapid growth in healthcare spending is expected in coming years if the economy strengthens.Read more here.

Costs of Treating Heart Failure Could Double by 2030

Heart failure costs are projected to more than double in the next 20 years as the U.S. population ages and the incidence of the condition climbs, according to an American Heart Association policy statement. Read more here.