Use of Data for Billing and Reimbursements
- Data is utilized for billing and reimbursements within Medicare.
- Important aspects discussed include:
- Standardization of payments and budgets for healthcare facilities.
- Minimization of unnecessary procedures and costs.
Pros and Cons of Diagnostic Related Groups (DRGs)
- Pros:
- Control over healthcare costs.
- Efficient budgeting processes for healthcare organizations.
- Effective reimbursement for services may enhance care quality.
- Cons:
- Potential for burnout among healthcare providers.
- Risk of undertreatment and overcrowding in facilities.
- Declines in quality of care, with instances of code manipulation to maximize reimbursements.
- Insurance may deny necessary procedures leading to patient dissatisfaction.
Medicare vs. Medicaid
- Medicare:
- Federal health insurance for individuals aged 65 and older and certain younger individuals with disabilities.
- Universal program but benefits may vary across states.
- Medicaid:
- Joint federal and state program assisting low-income individuals of all ages.
- Benefits and eligibility vary from state to state.
Managed Care
- A form of private health insurance.
- Designed to manage the cost, utilization, and quality of healthcare.
- Involves contracts between payers and healthcare providers to offer services.
New Healthcare Reimbursement Methods
- Pay for Performance:
- Incentives for meeting specific performance measures.
- Never Events:
- Specific events that should never occur in a healthcare setting, leading to adverse patient outcomes.
- Examples include:
- Wrong site surgery
- Patient falls resulting in serious injury
- Medication errors resulting in patient harm.
Group Discussion and Topics
- Students engaged in a group assignment focusing on:
- The role of organizations such as ANA in influencing healthcare policy.
- Budgetary implications (labor, operational, and capital) in healthcare settings.
- Shared governance in nursing allowing nurses to have a say in decision-making and advocating for patient care.
- Importance of participation in professional organizations for continued education and networking opportunities.
Budgeting in Healthcare
- Labor Budget: Covers salaries and benefits.
- Operational Budget: Encompasses daily operational costs, utilities, and supplies.
- Capital Budget: Allocates funds for large structural projects and expensive equipment.
Magnet Recognition in Hospitals
- Acknowledges nursing excellence and the role of transformational leadership in healthcare.
- Hospitals with Magnet status show improved patient outcomes and higher job satisfaction among nurses.
- Examples of Magnet hospitals in Wisconsin include:
- Froedtert Hospital
- Children's Hospital
- Aurora Healthcare
- VA Hospitals.
Professional Organizations’ Importance
- Encourages continuous professional development and advocacy.
- Benefits include scholarships, certification opportunities, and networking avenues.
- Students encouraged to join organizations for lower fees, fostering early involvement in a professional community.
Final Exam Preparation
- Importance of reviewing group discussions and assignments.
- Resources include feedback on group efforts and previous discussions leading to exam content.
- Encouragement to reach out for clarification on assignments and preparing for participation in class discussions.
- Focus on collaboration and understanding nursing advocacy and policies being influenced through professional organizations.