NIH Study Finds Genetic Clues to Major Cause of Kidney Disease Worldwide
For the first time, researchers have found five regions in the human genome that increase susceptibility to immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy, a major cause of kidney failure worldwide — systematically identifying those that point to a tendency for IgA nephropathy, or a protection against it.
CMS Eliminates Transition Adjuster
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has done away with the bundle’s transition adjuster, according to an April 1 announcement from Kidney Care Partners (KCP).
Meaningful Use, E-Rx Reporting Requirements Not Part of ACO Rules
The Medicare shared savings program in CMS’ proposed rules governing the creation of accountable care organizations would not incorporate the reporting requirements of the meaningful use or electronic prescribing incentive programs, but it would incorporate reporting requirements for PQRS.
Study of EHRs Shows Optimization, Meaningful Use Eligibility a Challenge
A new Medical Group Management Association report suggests although a majority of medical practices have adopted an electronic health record in preparation for meaningful use incentive payments, only a small portion are ready to meet the required 15 core criteria.
In Meaningful Use, Knowledge Is Power
The key to success in today’s ever-changing healthcare policy environment is to gather information wisely and selectively from a wide range of sources.
HHS Work Group Hones in on Data Encryption
Security measures should be carried forward and beefed up in the second round of meaningful use criteria now under development by federal policymakers, according to a privacy and security tiger team working under the federally chartered Health IT Policy Committee.
USC Official Explains How Wrong Patient Received Kidney, Says New Procedures Are in Place
Surgeons at USC University Hospital accidentally transplanted a kidney into the wrong patient earlier this year. In the first detailed explanation of the incident, Dr. Cynthia Herrington, medical director of the USC Transplant Institute, said the hospital had made changes that should prevent such a mistake in the future.
When Ailments Pile Up, Asking Patients to Rethink Free Dialysis
Only end-stage kidney disease gets special treatment by the federal government, and the free care provided has some unintended consequences. Specialists are hoping to change this.
Identical Twins to Make Medical History by Each Receiving a New Kidney from Their Parents
Jason and Ashley Roulstone both suffer from a rare inherited disease that causes kidney failure. Now the twins, 20, will make medical history by each receiving a donor kidney from their parents.
Most ACOs May Lose Money Initially
Hospitals and large health systems are investing significant sums to establish accountable care organizations, but they may lose money on these projects in the first few years.
Launching Accountable Care Organizations — The Proposed Rule for the Medicare Shared Savings Program
Donald Berwick, adminstrator of the CMS, explains how ACOs, in whatever form they take, will bring an end to fragmented care delivery and payment systems.
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