CMS watchdog suggests targeted approach for hospital wage index increase

Modern Healthcare: A CMS program meant to boost reimbursement in areas where healthcare providers pay the lowest employee wages may not be focused on the hospitals that most need the added funds, according to a new federal audit.

HHS' Office of Inspector General on Wednesday suggested the hospital wage index shoud target rural hospitals and providers operating at low or negative margins. The report found rural hospitals had the highest concentration of low-wage providers, which accounted for 53% of all providers in the bottom the 25th percentile.

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