Medicare Agency Takes Steps to Improve Harmful Patient Care
In the aftermath of a new federal report that found one in seven Medicare patients experienced harmful care while hospitalized, the government health program for the elderly is taking steps to improve patient safety.
As we recently reported in this blog, each month an estimated 15 percent of Medicare patients suffer from complications that extend their stays, contribute to their deaths, and cost taxpayers millions of dollars. In response to reports of fatal care, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services launched a new “innovation center” designed to improve the quality of care patients receive and promote cost-effectiveness.
The center will help primary care physicians coordinate across multiple health providers. It was unveiled on Tuesday, along with several other programs aimed at better coordination. One project will offer integrated care in hundreds of low-income community clinics around the country. Additionally, a new state plan option will let Medicaid enrollees designate a provider as a “health home” to better coordinate their treatment.