Category: Reimbursement

Minnesota rolls out incentive-based pay-for-performance program

July 19, 2010 by MedCity News

By Thomas Lee

To improve healthcare in Minnesota, the state is now offering providers a little more than the proverbial pat on the back.

Earlier this month, Minnesota health officials launched an incentive-based payment system for hospitals and ambulatory firms who treat patients enrolled in the state's health insurance programs.

FDA: ReGen's Menaflex data inadequate

March 22, 2010 by MassDevice staff

The Food & Drug Administration said ReGen Biologics Inc. (OTC:RGBO) failed to produce adequate evidence that its Menaflex knee implant was safe before it was cleared to hit the market in late 2008.

Documents released by the federal watchdog agency question whether the Hackensack, N.J.-based company supplied enough data on pre-clinical mechanical testing of the device, which is designed to repair damage to the meniscus cartilage in the knee. The documents also question ReGen's claims that the device is similar enough to other devices for shoulder, bladder and hernia repair to merit the FDA's fast-track 510(k) clearance process.

CMS shifts coverage on HIV screening

December 8, 2009 by MassDevice staff

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services shifted gears on its reimbursement policy for both standard and rapid HIV tests, in an attempt to catch more undiagnosed cases in vulnerable populations.

The national insurer changing a statute to make it easier for people whose behavior puts them at greater risk of contracting the virus to get annual screening.

CMS said it will now reimburse physicians for annual HIV screening for the following populations:

• Men who have had sex with men after 1975;
• Men and women having unprotected sex with multiple partners;
• Past or present injection drug users;