West Virginia State Government "Week in the Know" December 22, 2017 Tax Reform Troubles ‘I Was An Easy Pickup’: How Trump Lost Manchin on Taxes “I was an easy pickup. Very easy pickup,” Manchin said. “And a couple, two, three other Democrats would have been easy pickups, if they had just made an effort.” Not one of those Trump-state Democrats has budged on Obamacare repeal or taxes, to the surprise [...]
Today's Top Story Study: Tourniquet may not reduce blood loss compared to TXA during primary TKA Data from a study conducted in China and published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery suggest that tourniquet may not be necessary when tranexamic acid (TXA) is available to reduce blood loss during primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The authors conducted a prospective, randomized, controlled trial of 150 patients who were treated with either tourniquet as well as multiple doses [...]
Today's Top Story FDA issues safety alert regarding gadolinium-based contrast agents for MRI; Sanofi updates Synvisc-One recall notice The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is requiring a new class warning and other safety measures for all gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Published research has suggested evidence of a link between GBCAs and nephrogenic systemic fibrosis in kidney patients, and recent studies have found that patients without impaired renal function may also show deposits [...]
Today's Top StoryProvider organizations prepare for increased use of risk-based payment models A survey released by trade organization AMGA finds that 60 percent of respondent healthcare organizations expect to be ready to accept Medicare payments that include downside risk within 2 years. The research team surveyed 80 AMGA member groups, including multispecialty medical groups and independent physician associations. The researchers found that survey respondents continue to move away from fee-for-service (FFS) payments to risk-based payment models. Respondents expect [...]
West Virginia State Government "Week in the Know" December 11, 2017 Your Weekly News Update HE'S BACK!! Nick Casey to serve on the Board of Review CHARLESTON – Four months after Gov. Jim Justice fired Nick Casey as his chief of staff, he appointed Casey to the Workers Compensation Board of Review. The governor’s office confirmed Casey was appointed to the position Dec. 4 and will begin his work as a member of the Board of Review Jan. [...]
Today's Top Story Study: Infection may be most common reason for medical liability suits following TJA Findings from a study published online in The Journal of Arthroplasty suggest that infection may be the most common reason for litigation following total joint arthroplasty (TJA). The researchers conducted a retrospective review of lawsuits filed in a five-county metropolitan area between 2009 and 2015. They found that 83 lawsuits were filed, 50 of which were dismissed or settled out of court, [...]
Today's Top Story CMS updates Hospital Compare websites with new quality measures Modern Healthcare reports that the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has added four new quality measures each to its Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility and Long-Term Care Hospital Compare websites. Among other things, both sites have been updated to include facility-wide data on incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Clostridium difficile, percentage of patients with pressure ulcers, and unplanned 30-day readmissions. Read more… (registration may [...]
CMS Finalizes Rules, Senate Talks 21st Century Cures, and More Happy Holidays from the AAOS Office of Government Relations! The next issue of Advocacy Now will arrive in your inbox January 9! For questions or concerns on these or other advocacy issues, contact us at dc@aaos.org. CMS Finalizes Changes to CJR, Cancels SHFFT On November 30, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized the cancellation of the mandatory the mandatory Surgical Hip and Femur Fracture Treatment [...]
Today's Top Story Sanofi Genzyme issues voluntary recall of one lot of Synvisc-One syringes Sanofi Genzyme has issued a voluntary recall of one lot of Synvisc-One ® (hylan G-F20) lot 7RSL021. The product is used to treat arthritis of the knee and the affected lot was distributed between Oct. 25, 2017, and Nov. 7, 2017. The company states that investigational testing revealed the presence of microbial contamination. Providers should immediately discontinue use of Synvisc-One lot number 7RSL021 and should [...]
Health Care Highlights, Issue 17