Federation of American Hospitals

"Our job and our goal is to help you live the best, healthiest life you can." In the latest episode of Hospitals in Focus, FAH President and CEO Chip Kahn is joined by Dr. Carolyn Clancy, Assistant Under Secretary for Health for Discovery, Education & Affiliate Networks at the Veterans Health Administration. Dr. Clancy dives into the transformation of the patient experience at the VA and the lessons learned from the country's largest integrated health care system. Listen now: https://lnkd.in/gJMqUtwH

A new study released by KNG Health Consulting, LLC for Coalition to Strengthen America's Healthcare highlights the vital role hospitals play in delivering 24/7 care and specialized services that are often unavailable elsewhere.   Key findings from the report include: ▪ Emergency Departments: Hospitals are open 24/7 to treat urgent, often life-threatening conditions. In 2021, 61% of the 136 million ED visits occurred after hours, proving that hospitals are a lifeline when access to care is critical. ▪ Trauma Centers & Psychiatric Units: Nearly half (45%) of U.S. hospitals operate trauma centers, while around 25% have specialized psychiatric units, including dedicated care for children and older adults. ▪ Rural & Underserved Communities: Hospitals are critical in areas with limited access to primary care—13% of all ED visits in 2021 occurred in rural areas, where hospitals are often the only option for immediate care. The data is clear - hospitals stand apart, providing critical services in their mission to deliver round-the-clock and specialized care to those who need it most.   Read: https://lnkd.in/eRVSNjB8

Despite regulations requiring Medicare Advantage (MA) plans to provide the same coverage as traditional Medicare, MA plans are still skirting the rules. According to Kodiak Solutions, they classified 3-4x more hospital stays as observation visits, which reduces payments to hospitals, stretching already-thin resources and threatening patient care. Read: https://lnkd.in/eDuqkxQK

Seniors didn't receive treatment for extra diagnoses from in-home MA visits, but Medicare Advantage insurers received the benefits: $4.2 billion in extra payments or around $1,869 per visit.    While the HHS Office of Inspector General recommends limiting payments for diagnoses from these visits, the damage is already done, and patients are the ones left behind. (The Wall Street Journal)   https://lnkd.in/eTn-5rcN

"EviCore can adjust the algorithm to increase the number of requests sent for review, according to five former employees. The more reviews, the higher the chance of denials." EviCore's, and by association its clients including UnitedHealthcare, Aeta, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, use of a "dial" is a callous and calculated way to deny lifesaving care including that of Little John Cupp, featured in ProPublica's investigation into MA plans’ use of prior authorization to deny coverage of patient care. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gc2_2zYj

New episode of #HospitalsInFocus! The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which provides services to over nine million Veterans, has undergone a significant transformation since the establishment of the Veterans Experience Office in 2015 in an effort to improve the patient experience. Dr. Carolyn Clancy, Assistant Under Secretary for Health for Discovery, Education & Affiliate Networks, Veterans Health Administration, joins Chip Kahn to discuss: ▪ The role of the VA and its evolution in approaches to health care;   ▪ Transformation through leadership and the creation of the Veterans Experience Office;   ▪ Holistic attitude to health care through the ‘My life, my story’ project; and,   ▪ Broader applications of VA initiatives in other health care settings. Listen: https://lnkd.in/gJMqUtwH

During Healthcare Quality Week, we're spotlighting the work of Tilithia McBride, FAH's Vice President of Quality. Her contributions to improving quality outcomes and patient safety make her a leading expert in the field. Currently, Tilithia is attending the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM) Conference in Amsterdam, a global organization dedicated to quality measurement and value-based care. She was also invited to participate in a Leadership Forum. We are thrilled to have her on the FAH team.

"ACA subsidies, those tax credits, are critical. This is really the secret sauce that’s made a world of difference for those people who are covered." FAH President & CEO Chip Kahn outlines our 2025 priorities with Modern Healthcare. He gives valuable insight into the challenges to patient care that providers face and the future of hospital care with the upcoming elections.    Read more: https://lnkd.in/eGHD_JMx

Three large insurers denied post-acute care at astonishingly high rates compared to other care denials, according to a new Senate investigation. Post-acute care in the right setting, such as an inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF), is critical for patient recovery. “It's past time that legislators and regulators hold plans accountable and protect patient care." Chip Kahn in Modern Healthcare https://lnkd.in/gvk3jqhq

New Report: The U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations has found that the nation's largest Medicare Advantage insurer more than doubled the rate it denied post-acute care between 2020 and 2022. Some insurers denied requests for post-acute care at rates three times higher than all other types of denials. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/em9UuK3H