The American journal of managed care
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Effective communication among health care providers is critically important for patient safety. Handoff of patient care from the operating room (OR) to the intensive care unit (ICU) is particularly prone to errors. The process is more complicated in an academic environment in which junior clinicians are being trained. Standardization of, and training in, transitions of care can be a crucial means to improve patient safety. ⋯ Our workflow-oriented, standardized process for handoff of care from the OR to the ICU can improve perceived communication and psychological safety, especially for junior clinicians.
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Scholars have highlighted the importance of preventing hospital admissions and readmissions for individuals with costly chronic conditions. Providing effective care management strategies can help reduce inpatient admissions, thereby reducing rising health care costs. However, implementing effective care management strategies may be more difficult for independent physician associations (IPAs) that contract with multiple organizations that have competing interests and agendas. This study aims to identify and investigate strategies that facilitate the implementation of evidence-based best practices among IPAs. ⋯ IPA managed care organizations require unique considerations in regard to selected strategies used to manage chronic disease in Medicare populations. These considerations are critical for optimal management of the population, particularly in a risk-based or pay-for-performance environment.
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The Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP) launched in April 2018, offering an unprecedented opportunity to reach the estimated 48.3% of older adults with prediabetes. Success of the innovative policy is likely to depend on adequate supplier availability. We examined supplier data from CMS to assess beneficiaries' potential access to MDPP services. ⋯ Findings show inadequate MDPP access, with relatively few suppliers and locations where beneficiaries can receive services. Insufficient reimbursement relative to costs for suppliers may largely account for limited availability. Strategies to facilitate access are urgently needed, which may include partnering with large organizations for greater per capita reach and rural organizations for broader geographic coverage, along with setting fiscally sustainable rates based on refined program implementation and cost analysis.