Prospective Payment Compared to Special Medicare Payment Provisions

Profitability of Rural Hospitals Paid Under Prospective Payment Compared to Rural Hospitals with Special Medicare Payment Provisions overview The Medicare Prospective Payment System (PPS) was introduced by the federal government in October, 1983. Under PPS, hospitals are paid a pre-determined rate for each Medicare admission. Each patient is classified into a Diagnosis Related Group (DRG)… Read more »

Recent Changes in Health Insurance Coverage in Rural and Urban Areas

Overview of “Recent Changes in Health Insurance Coverage in Rural and Urban Areas” There has been concern about the impact of the recent economic downturn on health insurance coverage in the U.S. From 2007 to 2009, an additional 5.6 million adults became uninsured as a result of decreases in the number of adults covered by… Read more »

Trends in the Provision of Surgery by Rural Hospitals

Background of “Trends in the Provision of Surgery by Rural Hospitals” Surgery is an important health service in rural communities. In addition to providing routine surgical services, surgeons also serve as backup for other medical specialities such as obstetrics and are essential for the treatment of many emergency and trauma patients. Surgery provision also affects… Read more »

The Occupational Mix Adjustment to the Medicare Hospital Wage Index

The Occupational Mix Adjustment to the Medicare Hospital Wage Index: Why the rural impact is less than expected. The Journal of Rural Health : Official Journal of the American Rural Health Association and the National Rural Health Care Association 24 (2): 148-54. A94

Designated Medical Directors for Emergency Medical Services

Designated medical directors for emergency medical services: Recruitment and roles. The Journal of Rural Health : Official Journal of the American Rural Health Association and the National Rural Health Care Association 25 (4): 392. A98