HomeCare Editors’ Top 5: Week of July 4

Physician Signature Worries Home Health Agencies in Pre-Claim Demo
With just more than one month before the start of CMS’s Pre-Claim Review Demonstration for Home Health Services, agencies in the five-state pilot program are eagerly looking for clarification on compliance requirements. (Amy Baxter/Home Health Care News)

Doctors Less Satisfied, More Burned Out with Electronic Records
Most doctors who use electronic health records and order entry software tend to be less satisfied with how much time they spend on clerical tasks and are at higher risk of burnout than others, according to a new study. (Kathryn Doyle/Reuters)

CMS to Reduce Home Health Payments by $180 Million in 2017
The proposed changes to the Medicare home health prospective payment system (HH PPS) follow the federal agency’s proposal to increase hospice payments by 2 percent, or $330 million for 2017. (Amy Baxter/Home Health Care News)

Old Motels Get New Life Helping Homeless Heal
It’s impossible for homeless people to recover from a health crisis when they just go back out onto the street after being discharged from the hospital. They end up returning repeatedly to emergency rooms and hospitals, which are very expensive. (David Gorn/Kaiser Health News)

FDA Raises Questions About Hand Sanitizer Effectiveness
The colorful gels have become the front lines in our fight against germs. Antiseptic hand sanitizers in greens, blues and reds are now ubiquitous in schools, workplaces and hospitals. (Ariana Eunjung Cha/The Washington Post)