In the Middle
As with previous CMS programs and rules, the increased reporting requirements will mean a continued role for hospitalists.
“This will put hospitalists in the middle even more than they are now,” predicts Dr. Maynard. “It could be good—increasing their role of communicating and training hospital staff and leading quality improvement initiatives—or it could come down to a blame game. Hospitalists are taking care of half the patients in the hospital these days, so if something goes wrong, it may be seen as their fault.”
Read more about the proposed rule online at www.cms.hhs.gov. CMS will respond to comments in a final rule to be issued by Aug 1. TH
Jane Jerrard is a medical writer based in Chicago.