Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is the utilization of algorithms to create content such as text, code, imagery, videos, and even simulations in mere seconds. The goal of AI generally is to mimic the intelligence of humans to perform tasks, with generative AI (a type of AI) aiming to learn from data without the assistance of humans. While today’s generative AI bots are not yet prepared for widespread utilization in patient care settings, AI is garnering significant interest in the healthcare industry as providers begin to test the capabilities of AI in clinics and offices. This Health Capital Topics article will review the role that generative AI is beginning to play in the U.S. healthcare system, the potential of AI in healthcare, and concerns related to the technology. (Read more...)
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On July 13, 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released its proposed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) for calendar year 2024. In addition to the agency’s suggested cut to physician payments, the proposed rule announced changes in policies for the advancement of health equity, as well as the expansion of access to critical behavioral health and oral health services. According to CMS, “if finalized, the proposals in this rule ensure the people we serve experience coordinated care focused on treating the whole person, considering each person’s unique story and individualized needs,” including physical, oral, and behavioral health, as well as the social determinants of health. (Read more...)
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On July 13, 2023, CMS released the proposed rule for the Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs) for calendar year 2024. The agency proposes an increase in payments to all outpatient providers, introduces a new program, and announces their solution to repay 340B hospitals after their loss in the U.S. Supreme Court. This Health Capital Topics article will discuss the proposed changes, their potential effect on the current healthcare delivery system, and relevant stakeholder reactions. (Read more...)
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As of the first quarter of 2022, 1,010 accountable care organizations (ACOs), comprising 1,760 private and public ACO contracts that covered 32 million beneficiaries, operated across the U.S. The majority of these ACOs were physician-led (41%), rather than hospital-led (26%) or jointly-led (27%) ACOs. While the number of ACOs have steadily increased over the past several years, ACO growth has slowed, and even slightly decreased, in the past couple of years; this may be explained by shifts in federal government programs that are pushing all ACOs to take on downside risk at a faster pace. (Read more...)
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"MedPAC Recommends Increasing Hospital and Physician Payments for 2024" authored by HCC President, Todd A. Zigrang, MBA, MHA, FACHE, CVA, ASA, ABV, and, HCC Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Jessica Bailey-Wheaton, Esq., was published by the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (NACVA) in the July 19, 2023 issue of QuickRead.
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