Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Effect Of Prospective Payment System On Coding Practices In Kentucky Hospitals, Doris Thayer

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of the prospective payment system on coding practices, resource allocations, quantitative and quantitative standards and organizational structure in medical record departments of 108 acute care, general medical and surgical hospitals in Kentucky.

The study results revealed changes in coding practices consistent with the demand under the prospective payment system for more timely, complete and accurate information for billing purposes. Additionally, accurate data were needed to establish a reliable case-mix data base upon which future reimbursement formulas would be based. Increases in human and capital resources, especially in the area of …

Effects Of Dietary Calcium Levels On Human Blood Pressures, Janice Mearkle

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The prevalence of hypertension in the U.S. and similar industrialized countries continues to rise. Millions of people are affected in America alone. Usual treatment includes a low sodium diet, weight loss if needed, and drug therapy. Some health providers also encourage stress management as an adjunct to therapy. These treatments have been shown to be effective but patient compliance continues to be poor. Past research has explored the relationships between dietary calcium and hypertension and has found that there is an interaction between blood calcium levels and high blood pressure. The research reported here was a test of the relationship …