MEDICARE SAYS PRESSURE ULCERS AND BEDSORES SHOULD “NEVER” HAPPEN
Medicare, the government agency that pays for most hospital care for those 65 years and older, has defined Stage III and Stage IV pressure ulcers as “Never Events.” As a result, Medicare will no longer pay hospitals for care and treatment provided to a patient who suffers from a Stage III or Stage IV that was preventable prior to the occurrence.
Here are some commonly asked questions regarding the “Never Event” policy:
Click on image to enlarge.
What is a “Never Event”?
A never event is a “serious reportable event” that has caused injury and/or other complications to a patient. The List of 29 Never Events was created by the United States Government with the help of the medical community, insurance companies and health care advocates. The term “never event” was coined for injuries and complications that NEVER should occur in a hospital as they could have reasonably been prevented. The graph to the right represents the national reported rates for Never Events. As you can see, pressure ulcer and falls/fractures
Never Events are happening frequently in the United States.
Where can I see the list of “Never Events”?
The list of “Never Events” can be viewed here (see table). Pressure ulcers fall under the category “Care Management Events.”
If Medicare does not cover the cost of the injuries, do I or my loved one have to pay?
NO. Under the Never Events policy, hospitals and physicians have to assume responsibility and cover their own costs when a Never Event occurs.
What do I do if my family member has been a victim of a Never Event?
If or your family member or loved one has been injured by hospital neglect or abuse, please reach out to us at Sugarman Law. We are here to help you and your family fight back against those who caused injuries that we (and MEDICARE) know should NEVER have happened.
