CMS Outpatient Supervision Rule Relaxed

Now here's a bit of healthcare reform more of us can agree on. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) last week revised its rule that physicians must be present in the hospital outpatient department during treatments they supervise. New rule: It's okay if the doc's available anywhere on campus. For hospital-based HBOT treatment centers the change will surely reduce costs and improve patient access. But, as we understand it, a supervising physician must still attend treatments at off-campus and freestanding centers. Our customary tip of the hat to Hyperbaric Tech Blog for the sharp reportage.

Any Role For HBOT In H1N1 Flu Prevention?

Last week, like millions of Americans, we received an email from Homeland Security (yikes!) explaining how we can help prevent an H1N1 flu pandemic this autumn. The more we look the more we're convinced HBOT has little if any role in this fight. Try washing your hands instead. Then cross your clean fingers for speedy delivery of an effective vaccine. Or, if you think we've missed important new evidence, post a comment, then wash your hands again.