by Penny Richards

Sarah LaSource didn’t set out to do anything extraordinary on July 8. She took the CCDS certification exam—and lots of folks have done that. But she did what no one else has—walked out with the highest score we’ve ever seen anyone get on the exam, either the old or new version.

Sarah scored 116 out of 120, or 96.6% on the exam. Her secret? “I studied hard!”

CMS proposed a number of outpatient prospective policies in the calendar year (CY) 2017 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Payment System policy changes, quality provisions, and payment rates proposed rule, released by the agency on July 6.

The healthcare industry’s transition to value-based care model has pros and cons, according to a report released by NEJM Catalyst. 

CMS released the 2017 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) proposed rule yesterday, with policies that look to expand an Innovation Center program, revise payment for care management services, and collect data regarding global period payments.

Q: I am never sure of correct sequencing when the admission is for flu, pneumonia, and asthma.The patient presented in the emergency department (ED) with shortness of breath, still tight after nebulizer treatment in the emergency room. The patient was kept for observation for one day, then was admitted. Can you suggest proper sequencing and if queries are needed?