Post-Hospital Syndrome, Physician Shortage & More

This feature, called “News Updates” is designed to keep you up to date with current developments relating to the Acute Care Continuum.

We invite you to post your perspective on these stories and to share articles that you have found relevant.

Post-Hospital Syndrome — An Acquired, Transient Condition of Generalized Risk

Why do so many Medicare patients experience an acute medical problem within 30-days of discharge from the hospital? The New England Journal of Medicine (January 2013) published an article highlighting the prevalence of post-hospital syndrome, the heightened level of stress patients can experience post-discharge that may make them more susceptible to acute medical problems. The implications of the syndrome could impact CMS’ 30-day readmission standards.

Team Approach Could Eliminate the Physician Shortage

Healthcare Finance News examines a study from Health Affairs that says the looming physician shortage could be averted by pooling patients into panels led by both physicians and non-physician providers. Using electronic communication, the simulation showed a greater number of patients could have access to primary care under this coordinated team approach.

Hospitalists Prepare for CMS’ Value-Based Payment Modifier (VBPM) Program

Dr. Bryn Nelson at The Hospitalist examines CMS’ new program to tie Medicare’s physician reimbursements to quality and efficiency measures. Based on the PQRS program, the VBPM uses those reports to either reward or penalize a physician based on performance. Although some physicians are concerned of the program’s implications, others believe hospitalists are ahead of the curve since many have played an instrumental role in implementing the hospital value-based purchasing system. Dr. Nelson wrote a companion article outlining how hospitalists can prepare for the change that will take place in FY 2015.

**Editor's Note: Look for an follow-up article on this blog by Rick Newell, MD, examining the impact of VBPM on emergency physicians.**

40 ED Performance Benchmarks

Becker’s Hospital Review has published 40 benchmarks on ED performance compiled from 62 hospitals across the US. How does your ED compare?

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News Updates — "Post-Hospital Syndrome," News on the Physician Shortage and Hospitalists Approach to the VBPM Program

Post-Hospital Syndrome — An Acquired, Transient Condition of Generalized Risk

Team Approach Could Eliminate the Physician Shortage

Hospitalists Prepare for CMS’ Value-Based Payment Modifier (VBPM) Program

40 ED Performance Benchmarks

Partnering to improve patient lives