Cross posted from The Pop Tort by John Guyette
Just like the 80's rock band Twisted Sister sang, "We're not gonna take it," Medicare, though perhaps less cool and with undoubtedly minimal makeup, is carrying the torch by saying "We're not gonna pay for it!" Thats right, Medicare is the new rock group of 2008 fighting the establishment and the status quo. No longer is Medicare going to foot the bill for care caused by preventable errors in hospitals. According to a CBS News report from last night:
Beginning in October, Medicare will no longer pay for eight hospital mistakes - including:
- Urinary infection from catheter
- Bed sores
- Surgical object left in body
- Air embolism
- Giving wrong type of blood
- Blood infection from catheter
- Chest infection after bypass surgery
- Hospital-caused injury
Also from the report:
"We think it's a big deal," said Kerry Weems, Medicare's acting administrator. He says when the system stops paying for preventable mistakes, hospitals will stop making them.
Touche Mr. Weems, I could not agree more. Medicare's "rock n roll" actions are catching on in other states as well. Pennsylvania's medicaid program is also refusing to pay for preventable mistakes. Rock on PA! I only wish New York would follow suit. Check out the full report here and the video clip below.
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