In theory we would all like to believe that the health of hospitalized patients dictates the care of patients as well as the discharge date of a patient. However the unfortunate financial reality of the insurance system including Medicare has caused scrutiny and further investigation into the discharge dates of patients. Does a patients' health dictate a hospital discharge or do the Medicare incentives dictate a hospital charge or do Medicare lump sum payment thresholds? The Wall Street … [Read more...] about Do Medicare Lump Sum Payments Dictate Hospital Discharges?
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Codes Clarified
Sorting through the jumble of information, codes and prices when dealing with Medicare can be frustrating for many people, leading to unexpected expenses and confusion. At times one can use a dictionary to decipher precisely what a procedure or office visit cost. If you are on Medicare it can be helpful to understand the codes as they relate to your care. One must first understand the difference between a CPT (current procedural terminology) code and a HCPCS (healthcare common procedure … [Read more...] about Medicare Codes Clarified
Medicare Advantage Plans The Pros And The Cons
Since 2003 when Congress passed the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA), Medicare Advantage Plans have blanketed the country with television and print advertising about how Americans can save by signing up for a Medicare Advantage Plan. Approximately 30 percent, 15 million of all Americans eligible for Medicare have elected to trust an insurance company with their Medicare coverage rather than the government. Medicare Advantage Plans are administered by private insurance companies who believe … [Read more...] about Medicare Advantage Plans The Pros And The Cons