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This study explores Medicare underpayments by analyzing a large dataset comprising 443,964 transactions billed to Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Using a Modified LMS algorithm, we compare different approaches to estimate expected Medicare payments against actual reimbursements. The research identifies discrepancies in payment amounts and develops techniques for effective data processing, including significant time savings and automated handling capabilities. Findings suggest potential financial impacts on healthcare providers, with a projected difference of about $32 million in charges and $5.5 million in reimbursements.
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Predicting Medicare Underpayments Using an LMS algorithm Ted Shultz December, 2001 University of Wisconsin
Vanderbilt Bills Medicare for one amount Bill: Band-Aid $0.12 Aspirin $1.04 New Hip $1,000.00 Gauss $12.00 Gloves $3.75 ------------------- TOTAL $1016.91 MEDICARE Payment: (no explanation) ------------- Total $412.63 Medicare pays Vanderbilt a different amount Problem Explanation ?Why? Problem description
Comparison of Methods: Never been done before with Medicare! LARGE data file (443,964 purchases) Simultaneous equations methods: Comparison Inverse matrix method Much to large a matrix to inverted on a convention computer Orthogonal-triangular decomposition(Matlab backslash operator ) Unable to sort though possible answer to determine optimal solution based on input parameters Modified LMS method Slow, but able to bracket answer
Techniques used to handle large data file • Requires two days to load and format Matrix! (400Mhz) • Two weeks of calculations (by project definition) • Do all file manipulations in a data base program • Significant time savings • Bracket weights after each weight recalculation • Know Medicare will pay between 0-100% • Automatically resize • Start larger, but shrink for accuracy • Auto save and resume capabilities are required • CAE tethered server crashes every few days Techniques
Only about 1 week of way into calculations Full reimbursement Fixed percent Still moving or negotiated rate Results-Conclusions Guess pay amount Billed amount No payment Potential to have HUGE impact About $32M in charges, $5.5 M in reimbursements