Medical care research and review : MCRR
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In 2008, Medicare implemented a policy limiting reimbursement to hospitals for treating avoidable hospital-acquired conditions (HACs). Although the policy will expand nationally to Medicaid programs in 2011, little is known about the impact on safety net hospitals. ⋯ Although the policy reportedly provided additional motivation to reduce HACs, few hospitals implemented new care practices and instead focused on documenting conditions that are present for patients on admission. The findings also illustrate the need for Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to provide more guidance to the industry when this type of policy is introduced.