Bits and Pieces

Competitive Bidding

    The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has scheduled a 3-day meeting (February 28 to March 2) of the Program Advisory and Oversight Committee (PAOC). If time permits, and for the first time since the PAOC was established, attendees who are not committee members will be able to make oral comments. Previously, non-committee members were permitted to provide only written comments. The meeting agenda is scheduled to include payment issues, small supplier issues, data collection, and quality standards.

JCAHO Publishes Guide to Home Care Accreditation

    The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHO) has published a guide for home health, hospice, home medical equipment providers, and pharmacies on common standards compliance issues in these settings. The book is titled: How to Meet the Most Challenging Joint Commission Requirements for Home Care. Information on the book is available at: https://www.jcrinc.com/generic.asp?durki=8935.

Health Spending Down for First Time in 7 Years

    A report released by CMS showed that spending for health in our country grew 7.7% in 2003 to $1.7 trillion. This increase in spending is actually down from 2002 when a 9.3% growth rate occurred. On a per person basis, health spending increased by $353 to $5,670. Health spending accounted for 15.3% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2003, growing faster than the overall economy by nearly 3%.

    Private payors (primarily private health insurance and payments by individuals for co-pays, deductibles, and services not covered by insurance) funded more than half of national health expenditures in 2003, or $913.2 billion. Medicare and Medicaid funded $766 billion, with the Medicaid program funding $267 billion, nearly equaling the $283 billion spent by Medicare. More information on this report is available at: www.cms.hhs.gov/media/press/release.asp?Counter=1314.

Government Issues Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005

    Every 5 years, the government revises the country’s dietary guidelines based on an analysis of new scientific information conducted by a committee appointed by the Secretaries of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA). This report is the primary source used by the HHS and USDA for program and policy development. The most recent guideline was released on January 12, 2005 and focuses on establishing a balance between healthy intake, weight loss, and exercise. It encourages Americans to consume fewer calories, be more active, and make wiser food choices. The publication is oriented toward policy makers, nutrition educators, nutritionists, and healthcare providers rather than the public. A consumer brochure, Finding Your Way to a Healthier You is based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. These documents are available at: www.healthierus.gov/dietaryguidelines/.