Multiple Chronic Conditions Blog

This week the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed historic changes that bring the nation one step closer to a modern healthcare system delivering better care for Americans at a lower cost. The goal of these proposals will allow healthcare providers increased time with the patient and less on required paperwork. The ambitious reforms proposed by CMS under Administrator Seema Verma will help deliver on two HHS priorities: creating a value-based healthcare system for the 21st century and making prescription drugs more affordable.

Due to Federal budget cuts the Agency for Health, Research and Quality (AHRQ), who manages the National Guideline Clearing House will no longer provide an active website after July 16, 2018.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), in 2017 reported:

• 81% of hospital admissions;
• 91% of prescriptions filled;
• 76% of health-provider visits;
• 75% of home healthcare visits

Are Medicare patients with chronic conditions. Of these Beneficiaries 85% have at least one chronic condition and, 23% have five or more conditions…

Currently, 81% of hospital admissions, 91% of prescriptions filled, 76% of health-provider visits and 75% of home healthcare visits are for Medicare patients living with chronic conditions. Of these 85% have at least one chronic conditions and 23% have five or more – accounting for two-thirds of all Medicare Spending. These demographics are expected to continue to escalate and Baby Boomers will…

HRI released “Top Health Industry Issues of 2018” and predict the New Year will be distinguished by persistent uncertainty and risk for the US health industry and likely mirroring 2017.

Key trends to shape healthcare in 2018 include:

• Tackling the opioid epidemic, now the leading cause of death for adults younger than 50. Opioid related mortality now exceeds…

Last year the CDC reported medical mistakes as the 3rd leading cause of adult death in the US - the use and implementation of scientific data and evidence-based practice reduces morbidity and mortality by relying on current, relevant and credible data to direct practice patterns.

Without the use of data, we cannot participate in good practice patterns that yield positive
patient-centered outcomes. All healthcare should be practiced from a team approach and not
driven by one discipline - the patient and family do not benefit from a medical perspective only.
The data that is now collected on patient specific outcomes under the MACRA 2015 legislation
and…

President Donald Trump has declared a National Emergency on the Opioid Epidemic. Come on, America we need to lift the veil of silence and really drill down to the origin that perpetuates this national emergency. Prescribers and all health care professionals should undergo annual continuing education on safe and effective non-cancer pain management, based on the current science.

Despite the rhetoric that the media portrays, value-based health care is here to stay and demonstrating significant savings for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Due to the crisis in South Texas, the Multiple Chronic Conditions Resource Center is disseminating professional resources to support the health and well-being for those who are affected and up-rooted from Hurricane Harvey.