Chest
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Auditors in Medicare overpayment or False Claims Act (FCA) cases often use statistical extrapolation to estimate a health-care provider's total liability from a small sample of audited claims. Courts treat statistical extrapolation differently depending on the context. ⋯ In recent cases, however, multiple courts have allowed the use of extrapolation in FCA cases. When auditors attempt to use statistical extrapolation, providers should closely inspect the sample and challenge the extrapolation when any reasonable argument exists that the sample does not constitute a reliable or accurate representation of all the provider's claims.
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Pleural effusions are present in 15% to 44% of hospitalized patients with pneumonia. It is unknown whether effusions at first presentation to the ED influence outcomes or should be managed differently. ⋯ Patients with pneumonia and pleural effusions at ED presentation in this study were more likely to die, be admitted, and had longer hospital stays. Why parapneumonic effusions are associated with adverse outcomes, and whether different management of these patients might improve outcome, needs urgent investigation.