Last week, we released a story called “Tip: When to use inpatient consultation codes” in vol. 4, issue 33 of Hospitalist Program Weekly, published on Aug. 20. Please note a correction. Hospitalists do not use the inpatient consultation codes 99251 – 99255 if the hospitalist consults another physician for advice about a patient. In fact, hospitalists use those codes when another physician seeks the opinion or advice—not transfer of care or management—from the hospitalist about a patient’s specific condition.

Last Wednesday, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, announced it is adding quality measure updates to its consumer Web site, Hospital Compare. In a nationwide initiative to encourage public reporting, improve patient care, and empower consumers about healthcare choices, the CMS Web site—in joint efforts with the Hospital Quality Alliance—provides hospital data about heart attacks, heart failure, pneumonia, asthma, and surgery, as well as Medicare inpatient hospital payment information.

According to a new study released by John Hopkins University School of Medicine, the three-pronged strategy of Collaborative Inpatient Medical Service can improve the success rates of hospitalists in academic institutions. Here’s the problem: in addition to their heavy clinical responsibilities, academic hospitalists also might engage in research. This research can lack the support it needs, often because of a lack of an insufficiency of available mentors or other staff resources.