Methodist Dallas' Medicare/Medicaid funding at risk

State inspectors found serious problems at Methodist Dallas Medical Center    Methodist Dallas Medical Center Latest from The Business Journals Methodist Dallas' plan to fix deficiencies is acceptedMethodist Hospital faces continuing deficienciesHospitals should expect more scrutiny under health reforms Follow this company , making it the second hospital this month to be required to fix violations or lose federal Medicare and Medicaid funding.

A Texas Department of State Health Services inspection of Methodist Dallas concluded Aug. 4 and the hospital on Friday received notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or CMS, that continued participation in the Medicare program is contingent on corrective measures to the health services department's findings.

Methodist Dallas is preparing a plan that addresses each issue that will be presented to the health services department and CMS by Sept. 6, according to a statement released by the hospital. If CMS accepts the plan, a follow-up survey will be conducted to determine whether Methodist Dallas is in compliance or making adequate efforts to bring the hospital into compliance.

The notification from CMS puts Methodist Dallas in a similar position as Parkland Memorial Hospital, which was cited for failures in nine areas after a July inspection. CMS accepted Parkland's written plan last week and a re-inspection to determine whether the hospital was back in compliance began Monday, CMS spokesman Bob Moos said.

Methodist was cited for failures in 10 areas, including failing to screen and stabilize emergency room patients and improperly keeping patient records. Parkland's most serious problems involved emergency care and unsanitary conditions.

Most of Methodist's problems stem from the increased volume and space limitations in its emergency department, the hospital's statement says. Hospital officials announced a significant expansion and improvement project for its ED and trauma departments last week.

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