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CONTACT: Stephanie Marquis, 608-266-1683
WISCONSIN NURSING HOMES ENCOURAGED TO SIGN UP FOR FEDERAL DEMONSTRATION
PROJECT
Initiative Will Focus on Lowering Medicare Costs Through Improved Care
MADISON - The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is
encouraging nursing homes across the state to apply to participate in a
new national demonstration project designed to improve care and quality of
life for residents of nursing homes, as well as reduce Medicare costs.
Participating nursing homes will be eligible to receive financial rewards
by avoiding hospitalizations due to improved care.
One hundred Wisconsin nursing homes will be chosen on a voluntary basis
to participate in the demonstration project. Interested nursing homes can
find more information and applications forms at www.nhvbp.com.
The deadline to apply is May 1st.
“The decision of the federal government to include Wisconsin in this
new initiative is just another indication that our state is seen as a
national leader in the area of health care reform,” said DHS Secretary
Karen Timberlake. “This demonstration project focuses on nursing home
practices that increase quality of care and reduce costs by avoiding more
expensive procedures. Nursing home pay-for-performance initiatives like
this demonstration project could be a key component in our continual
efforts to improve quality for residents and reduce health care costs.”
The demonstration project will measure quality performance in a number
of clinical areas, as well as measure staffing ratios, which have been
correlated with better clinical outcomes for residents and higher
satisfaction levels among residents and their families. By improving
quality performance in these areas, fewer residents will require episodes
of care in hospitals, which will in turn save Medicare dollars. These
Medicare savings will be paid out to demonstration nursing homes with
fewer hospital days when compared to other like nursing homes that are not
part of the demonstration.
Four states were chosen to participate in the demonstration project:
Arizona, Mississippi, New York and Wisconsin.
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Last Revised: April 23, 2009 |
