News From Around the Web
> In the wake of the Athem hack, NPR explored the black market of stolen medical data, uncovering hidden Internet dealers selling medical information. One undisclosed dealer was selling 10 Medicare numbers for approximately $4,700. Experts say medical information garners a much higher price point on the black market compared to stolen credit card numbers. Article
> The owner of a Miami home health agency pleaded guilty last week to a $6.9 million Medicare fraud scheme. Orelvis Olivera admitted to billing Medicare for expensive physical therapy and home health services that were medically unnecessary, as well as paying kickbacks to recruiters for patient referrals, prescriptions, plans of care, and certifications for unnecessary services. Release
> A St. Louis physician was convicted of multiple healthcare fraud charges for billing services while he was out of town. Dr. Devon Golding employed a nurse who examined and diagnosed patients, prescribed narcotics, ordered lab tests for patients and completed progress notes while he was out of the office. Golding signed these documents, then submitted claims for the services. Release
Health Payer News
> CMS is planning a new specialty payment system for oncology care that should lower the cost for Medicare beneficiaries. CMS hopes to improve care coordination for those undergoing chemotherapy through episode-based payment that includes financial and performance accountability for physician practices. Article
Health IT News
> Anthem could spend more than $100 million in the wake of the cybersecurity attack that exposed information of 80 million members. Given that last year's breach at Community Health Systems, which exposed 4.5 million patients' data, cost between $75 million and $150 million, Anthem's cybersecurity insurance coverage of $100 million may not be enough to cover subsequent costs. Article
And finally… The hug that lasted nearly 6,000 years. Article.