Hospitals warned on fraud; IG lists 10 'questionable' incentive practices

Article Abstract:

Richard Kusserow, inspector general of the US Department of Health and Human Resources, has published a list of 10 hospital incentive gifts or payments to physicians that are considered unethical kickbacks. The list ranges from payment for continuing education to rewards for referring patients to the hospital. Physicians who accept or demand these payments are as culpable as the institutions that offer them. Exceptions may be made for rural hospitals that suffer a lack of qualified staff.

Hospital and medical service plans, Admin. of public health programs, Investigations, Compensation and benefits, United States. Department of Health and Human Services

---

Mass. panel releases plan to improve pain management

Article Abstract:

A special panel of the Massachusetts Legislature has recommended several administrative and legislative reforms to improve the treatment of pain. The Special Subcommittee on the Management of Acute and Terminal Pain is calling for improved pain management education and consumer access to prescription drugs. The panel's recommendations stem from several cases in which doctors were disciplined as a result of their prescription practices.

Administration of Public Health Programs, Health Programs-State, Care and treatment, Social policy, Pain, Pain management, Massachusetts, Health policy

---

New diagnosis code will track palliative care in hospitals

Article Abstract:

Medical personnel who care for dying patients will have the option of using a new diagnosis code for palliative care in hospitals beginning on Oct 1, 1996. The Health Care Financing Administration will conduct a one-year study of the use of the code to determine whether a separate diagnosis-related group is warranted. Doctors are optimistic that the code will improve the quality of terminal care.

Hospitals, Management, Palliative treatment, Palliative care, Hospital administration

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Voters and health care in the 1996 election. Health care in the 2008 presidential primaries. The implications of the 2000 election
• Abstracts: House crafts compromise on resource-based practice expenses. Overhead expenses are on the rise
• Abstracts: Are quotas the answer to the primary care shortage? Internists still considering ways to boost generalism. Primary care shortage? It's all in eye of beholder
• Abstracts: Surgeons' aim: fewer hip fractures, less 'seat-belt' syndrome. Save the children; pediatricians tackle the health crisis in the nation's classrooms
• Abstracts: A hard look in the mirror: organized medicine tries to polish its public image. Philadelphia freedom: physicians find it hard to unify to battle HMOs

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.