government
Medicare demo would provide primary care at home
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Jan. 2, 2012
The agency overseeing the Medicare program has launched a project that will provide up to 10,000 beneficiaries with care at home.
The independence-at-home demonstration will offer in-home primary care services to patients with multiple chronic conditions and functional limitations, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced Dec. 20, 2011. About 50 practices will be selected to participate in the demonstration created by the health system reform law.
The program combines the old practice of house calls with new technology and a coordinated care approach, said acting CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner.
"When a critically ill patient can remain in familiar surroundings, the benefits are many: The person retains greater control over their daily lives, families and caregivers report greater satisfaction with the care, and unnecessary hospitalizations are avoided," Tavenner said.
Applications for physician practices to participate are due Feb. 6.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2012/01/02/gvbf0102.htm.
