There is relief for those who end up being sicker after they leave the hospital than they were when admitted. Medicare has come with a rule, which will make hospital care safer and more responsible. The hospitals have got increased responsibility for any complication, which occurs due to negligence on the part of the hospital authorities.
If a patient’s Medicare bills are pushed up due to an injury or carelessness on part of the hospital the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have washed their hands off the responsibility.
A person falling off the bed or even getting urinary tract infection would be considered lack of care on the part of the hospital. It will come under the category of ‘a hospital-acquired condition’ and not a complication for which the hospital will be paid. These complications often increase the cost of treatment unnecessarily. This rule took effect at midnight and is welcome news, as it will ensure better care. As soon as the hospitals realize that they will have to bear the brunt of bad care they will improve.
