Observation status, ED visits create illusion of fewer readmissions, quality gains

http://www.fiercehealthcare.com/story/hospitals-cheat-readmissions-quality-standards-with-observation-status/2015-08-27

Observation Unit

Pay for performance “pressures hospitals to cheat,” authors say

Cardinal Health’s move to acquire naviHealth highlights demand for post acute care coordination

Cardinal Health’s move to acquire naviHealth highlights demand for post acute care coordination

hand shake deal merger

Cardinal Health‘s move to acquire three year-old business naviHealth underscores the interest by healthcare organizations in businesses that eliminate waste in Medicare and make post acute care coordination more efficient as companies seeks to fulfill the demands of healthcare reform. Cardinal Health purchased a 71 percent stake in naviHealth for $290 million in the first step of its acquisition, which will be integrated into its Medical business.

Obamacare Waiver Gives States Opening For Huge Reforms. But Will They Take It?Experts don’t expect states to pursue foundational reforms at first under the ACA waiver program.

http://www.nationaljournal.com/health-care/obamacare-waiver-gives-states-opening-for-huge-reforms-but-will-they-take-it-20150818

Experts don’t expect states to pursue foundational reforms at first under the ACA waiver program.

How Medicare’s transitional care movement may prevent readmissions

http://www.fiercehealthcare.com/story/how-medicares-transitional-care-movement-may-prevent-readmissions/2015-08-27?page=full

CEO Rani Khetarpal: Clinical interventions needed throughout 30-day post-discharge period