Care Transitions News: U.S. has highest rate of poorly coordinated care

CMS Issues Draft on Physician Value-Based Purchasing Plan (P4P)
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has drafted a plan, goal, objectives, assumptions and principles to transition Medicare to value-based purchasing (P4P) for physicians. Value-based purchasing (VBP) aligns payment more directly to the quality and efficiency of care provided by rewarding providers for their measured performance across the dimensions of quality. CMS has posted a recording and transcript of the listening session along with slides.

Medicare Personal Health Records (PHR) Pilot Begins January 2009
The one-year, $2.5 million Medicare Personal Health Record Choice Pilot will launch in January 2009, allowing Medicare beneficiaries in Arizona and Utah to have their Medicare claims information automatically added to their online PHRs. Beneficiaries will be able to update their PHRs as well as permit caregivers and health care providers access to the PHR.

Research Shows the Expense and Complexity of Treating Heart Failure
Medicare beneficiaries with severe heart failure accounted for 37% of all Medicare spending and almost 50% of all hospital inpatient costs according to new research. These beneficiaries average $24,000 in annual inpatient costs, compared to about $3,000 for a typical beneficiary. Additionally, these patients see 23 different Medicare providers in a year, nearly triple the 7.9 average for other beneficiaries.

Electronic Health Records Cited as an Innovative Product for 2009
The Cleveland Clinic recently announced its top ten procedures and products that could most influence medicine in the coming year. Physicians and consultants working in the Clinic's commercialization unit focused on developments that could have measurable effects on patients but are also economically viable. Included in the list was a comprehensive electronic health records system that would link patients, facilities, insurers and health care providers through the Internet. The system has the potential to replace paper files while increasing quality and lowering costs, which physicians cited as "revolutionary" with "unbelievable" efficiencies.

Will 1,170 Codes for Angioplasty Help or Hinder Health Care?
With a ten-fold increase in codes looming with the release of ICD-10, will the expanded coding system promote the adoption of electronic health care records? Or will billing errors overwhelm the system?

Google Spots Flu Trends Through Search Traffic
Waves of Americans entering "fever" and "body ache" as search terms has given rise to a new warning system from Google.org that aims to track outbreaks of illness ahead of traditional reporting mechanisms.

Use of Diagnostic Imaging Up Sharply: Does the Cost Equal the Benefit?
Research shows the use of MRI and CT scanners has more than doubled since 1995 in the U.S., but that increase hasn't necessarily resulted in better health or fewer deaths.

English City Promotes Healthy Lifestyles With Reward System
Authorities in Manchester, England, hope to curb obesity rates with a plan to reward residents who exercise and purchase healthy foods. Funded through the government's health services, the plan allots points for trips to the community pool or exercise club as well as preventive medical screenings. Participants can apply accrued points toward athletic equipment or personal training sessions.