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United States General Accounting Office GAO Report to Congressional Committees June 2004 MEDICARE DIALYSIS FACILITIES Beneficiary Access Stable and Problems in Payment System Being Addressed GAO-04-450

The remainder receives a special type of outpatient blood-pressure treatment designed to keep the blood pressure in the target range, even when the blood pressure is above normal. But with high-technology equipment, dialysis services can be difficult to access and can be expensive. A report prepared by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) officials says Medicare providers generally have trouble finding qualified patients to join their practice. Many ESD patients may not qualify for Medicare, because their kidneys are not functioning on the targeted level. Many do not qualify because Medicare payment rates for outpatient treatments are very low. The report said Medicare may allow hospitals to pay their Medicare providers as much as 50 percent less than other hospitals. Many doctors, particularly those at smaller institutions, may not be able to afford these payments. Medicare beneficiaries may not qualify for Medicare if they have had multiple hospitalizations in the 12 months prior to an application and are not well enough to live comfortably. The report stated that some Medicare providers may not have enough resources to assess and manage the special needs of ESD patients. An expert panel assembled in 2004 to develop a new health care payment policy recommended that ESD patients should be covered in a way that would prevent any patient from being denied coverage or receiving fewer benefits than Medicare would pay, and that Medicare should take into consideration health-related quality factors, including the patient's prior hospitalizations. The panel did not recommend the same approach for ESD patients that covered other types of Medicare beneficiaries. A new Medicare patient-benefits plan, intended to help Medicare patients deal with the costs of dialysis services, will be offered to patients beginning Jan. 1, 2005. It should be up and running within a few months. A proposal to use Medicare payroll taxes to help offset a share of cost for long-term care insurance premiums has been introduced in 2003, but no action has been taken. About 2.3 million Medicare beneficiaries pay 100 percent of their out-of-pocket costs. A federal advisory board has proposed new health-care regulations to cover about 4 million high-risk Medicare beneficiaries. The regulations would expand the scope of care and cover the more serious conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, and they would also reduce the out-of-pocket costs of most other beneficiaries. The board's plan includes a payment structure that would shift the burden of cost to higher-income seniors and to those with higher health insurance deductibles and coinsurance, rather than on the Medicare Advantage plans provided by private insurers.

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What is gao-04-450 medicare dialysis facilities?

Gao-04-450 is a report issued by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) that focuses on the monitoring and oversight of Medicare dialysis facilities.

Who is required to file gao-04-450 medicare dialysis facilities?

Medicare dialysis facilities and relevant healthcare providers are required to file the gao-04-450 report.

How to fill out gao-04-450 medicare dialysis facilities?

The specific instructions for filling out the gao-04-450 report can be found on the official website of the Government Accountability Office (GAO).

What is the purpose of gao-04-450 medicare dialysis facilities?

The purpose of the gao-04-450 report is to ensure the comprehensive and accurate reporting of Medicare dialysis facility data, which aids in monitoring and improving the quality of care provided.

What information must be reported on gao-04-450 medicare dialysis facilities?

The gao-04-450 report requires the reporting of various data related to Medicare dialysis facilities, such as patient demographics, treatment outcomes, facility characteristics, and financial information.

When is the deadline to file gao-04-450 medicare dialysis facilities in 2023?

The specific deadline for filing the gao-04-450 report in 2023 will be announced by the Government Accountability Office. It is advisable to regularly check their official website or consult with relevant authorities for the updated deadline.

What is the penalty for the late filing of gao-04-450 medicare dialysis facilities?

The penalty for late filing of the gao-04-450 report may vary depending on regulations and guidelines set by the Government Accountability Office. It is recommended to review the specific penalties mentioned in the official instructions or consult with relevant authorities for accurate information.

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