03/18/13

Monday, March 18, 2013

Guidance on Federal and State Oversight of Medicaid Expenditures


Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

 

 

 

Today the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released a letter to State Medicaid Directors discussing mutual obligations and accountability on the part of the state and federal governments for the integrity of the Medicaid program and the development, application, and improvement of safeguards necessary to ensure proper and appropriate use of both federal and state dollars. The letter is available online at http://www.medicaid.gov/Federal-Policy-Guidance/Federal-Policy-Guidance.html

 

The letter discusses a new requirement that states submit upper payment limit (UPL) demonstrations on an annual basis, and guidance on the format and method of UPL demonstration is now available online at http://www.medicaid.gov/Medicaid-CHIP-Program-Information/By-Topics/Financing-and-Reimbursement/Accountability-Guidance.html

 

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has sent this update. To contact Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) go to our contact us page.

Ambulance Open Door Forum Update


Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

http://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Outreach/OpenDoorForums/ODF_ambulance.html

 

Due to an unexpected shift in workload, we do not have the appropriate policy staff experts available to hold the upcoming Ambulance Open Door Forum and therefore will have to cancel the call. We apologize for the short notice.

We will send a notification once the new date is decided. Thank you for your continued interest in the CMS Open Door Forums.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has sent this Cms.hhs.gov- Ambulance Open Door Forum Update. To contact Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) go to our contact us page.

 

Backwards signals appear to sensitize brain cells, rat study shows


Backwards signals appear to sensitize brain cells, rat study shows

03/18/2013 12:15 PM EDT

 

When the mind is at rest, the electrical signals by which brain cells communicate appear to travel in reverse, wiping out unimportant information in the process, but sensitizing the cells for future sensory learning, according to a study of rats conducted by researchers at the National Institutes of Health.

 

NIH Research Matters Genetics of mental disorders, how bacteria clog medical devices, and salt and autoimmune disease


Common Genetic Factors Found in 5 Mental Disorders

Rear view photo of a family walking together in a park.Major mental disorders traditionally thought to be distinct share certain genetic glitches, according to a new study. The finding may point to better ways to diagnose and treat these conditions.

 

Biofilm Streamers Clog Medical Devices

Photo of a bent tube with glowing green walls and a continuous red streamer bridging the spaces between bends.Bacterial communities called biofilms can quickly clog medical devices such as stents and catheters by forming 3-dimensional streamers that block flow. The finding will inform future approaches to prevent these deadly clogs.

 

Shaking Out Clues to Autoimmune Disease

Close up photo of coarse sea salt.Researchers gained new insight into how an immune cell involved in several autoimmune disorders is regulated. Among their discoveries was a potential link with salt consumption.