The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) states that there is an estimated one to three million serious infections that occur in nursing homes on an annual basis. These infections result in about 300,000 deaths each year. Although CMS penalizes healthcare facilities for events, including infections, that occur when they shouldn’t, repeated infections still remain a significant problem and a major risk to the health of nursing home residents and all patients in healthcare facilities.
In an effort to combat this problem, CMS will begin penalizing healthcare facilities that have readmissions within 30 days by reducing their Medicare payments. These penalties will begin in fiscal year 2017. The economic impact of repeated infections, which the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality last calculated in 2012, is substantial. The healthcare costs for just one central line-associated bloodstream infection averages $70,696, and costs can range anywhere from $40,412 to $100,980. Given the current prevalence of multiple incidences of these infections, the overall costs are absolutely staggering.
Certain types of patients are particularly prone to contracting infections in healthcare settings. These patients include anyone who is ventilator-dependent or who have an indwelling medical device, such a catheter, IV, or PICC line. Many of the patients in this situation have multiple medical devices that increase their risk of infection. Plus, those patients with morbid obesity, stroke victims, health trauma patients, and those with acute or chronic respiratory failure are at an increased risk of infection, as well.
Nursing homes must take measures to help ensure the safe and appropriate care of all residents, including avoiding the constant spread of infection. By hopefully eliminating some of the factors that directly contribute to this problem for nursing home patients, it is our sincere hope that nursing homes can eliminate this very dangerous issue in their patients. At Boller & Vaughan, we are here to stand up for the rights of all those residents and their families who have suffered substantial injuries while under the care of those are supposed to prevent such injuries and illnesses from occurring. Contact us today at (608) 268-0268, set up an appointment with one of our Wisconsin nursing home abuse attorneys, and discover how we can help.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, some nursing homes do not use drugs in a manner that is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There appears to be […]
In the state of Wisconsin, all individuals over the age of four, no matter where they are seated in a motor vehicle, must use a seat belt. Children under the age of four must be […]
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We live in Friendship, Wisconsin, and Boller & Vaughan came to our doorstep to discuss our mother’s wrongful death claim on a Saturday morning. Not only were we pleased with the large recovery, we were so thankful to have lawyers who were willing to explain to us every twist and turn along the way. It is great to know there is a law firm that will fight for the rights of elderly people all over Wisconsin.
Mr. Boller and Ms. Vaughan were incredible in working on my case and my daughter’s case. I was out of work and in the hospital with a new baby. Mr. Boller and Ms. Vaughan protected our rights and it was a pleasure to work with them. I hope never to be in another motor vehicle accident, however, if I am and I am injured, I will contact Boller & Vaughan immediately.
I was referred to Michelle through a friend. I have never had a better experience. It took a little over a year to get my settlement but the staff there stayed in constant contact and kept me in the loop. Oh, and Michelle actually got me MORE money than we discussed. I will refer anyone to this firm. Words cannot do justice the thanks that I have for Michelle and her staff (Mary especially) thank you guys so much!
After my husband died as a result of a motor vehicle accident, Boller & Vaughan spent countless hours talking with me, meeting with me in person, and making sure that I was okay. The drunk driver who hit us did not have any insurance, and we had to make a claim through our own insurance. Boller & Vaughan was fantastic at explaining the law to me and the handling of our claims.
After my son was injured in a daycare setting, Ms. Vaughan took the time to thoroughly investigate our case and my son’s injuries. Michele was approachable and had answers to our questions. Talking with her helped to relieve many of our anxieties.
