Shared Health Services Blog

Hospitals are facing a quiet but accelerating crisis — from CMS terminations and reimbursement loss to service line closures, staffing shortages, and compliance breakdowns. This post unpacks the systemic risks hospitals face in 2025 — and how high-performing, audit-ready wound care programs can restore stability, revenue, and care continuity.

From pricing reform and rebate pilots to direct-to-patient drug access and rural funding, hospitals are facing rapid shifts in how cellular and/or tissue-based products (CTPs) are purchased, reimbursed, and documented. This post breaks down what wound care leaders need to know — and how Shared Health Services helps partners respond with insight, compliance support, and tools that strengthen long-term strategies.

On July 30, 1965, Medicare and Medicaid became pillars of access and equity in U.S. health care. Sixty years later, they support over 140 million Americans — including many patients seen in hospital-based wound care and hyperbaric programs. This post explores their legacy, outlines key CMS updates for FY 2026, and shows how Shared Health Services equips partners to respond to policy change with confidence, clarity, and compliant care delivery.

When patients have nowhere to go, hospitals are left holding the line — often at the expense of reimbursement, staffing, and patient care. This post unpacks the hidden costs of social holds, how they distort LOS metrics, and what it means for wound care teams managing complex patients in overcrowded systems. Learn how Shared Health Services equips partners to stay focused on healing while navigating today’s discharge challenges.

Hospitals and physician practices launching a wound care and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) program must meet NFPA 99 standards from day one. This post breaks down critical Chapter 14 requirements—including safety the hyperbaric coordinator role, chamber classifications, fire protection systems, electrical guidelines, and survey readiness—and explains how SHS supports partners in building compliant, high-performing HBOT programs that reduce risk and deliver lasting value.

A new CMS rule may lead to 1.8 million people losing health coverage — putting pressure on hospitals to manage eligibility shifts, Medicaid changes, and access barriers. But for rural wound care programs, this is also a chance to close gaps, streamline referrals, and build resilience. Learn how SHS supports partners with smart, site-specific tools that simplify workflows, protect patient access, and strengthen financial sustainability.

In 2025, two tragic HBOT incidents at wellness clinics reignited concern across the field. This post explores the risks of non-clinical hyperbaric use, highlights what truly makes HBOT safe, and outlines the standards SHS champions for hospital- and physician-practice-based programs. If your team is re-evaluating protocols, credentials, or training, this is a must-read guide to safety, clarity, and clinical oversight.

CMS’s proposed 2026 OPPS rule could significantly impact wound care reimbursement, including major shifts for skin substitutes and outpatient services. This post breaks down what’s changing, what’s uncertain, and how Shared Health Services equips hospital leaders to stay ahead. Get clear insights and strategic takeaways to help your team prepare now.

Signed into law on July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill offers real funding and reform opportunities for rural hospitals and wound care programs. From $50B in transformation grants to Medicare pay increases and broadband expansion, here’s what rural leaders need to know — and how SHS is helping partners act.

The DOJ just indicted providers in one of the largest skin sub fraud schemes ever—and CMS is launching a new prior auth model targeting wound care. If your program uses cellular and/or tissue-based products (CTPs), now is the time to tighten documentation and revisit patient selection protocols. This blog breaks down what’s changing—and how SHS helps wound centers deliver compliant, audit-ready care.

A new proposal under review by the National Quality Forum could classify pressure injuries that develop at home as Serious Reportable Events (SREs). While not yet mandated, this shift may affect how wound centers document, report, and respond — especially under programs like MIPS. SHS breaks down what this could mean, how to prepare, and why your voice matters in the national comment period.

CMS has issued a fraud alert warning healthcare providers about scammers posing as auditors and sending fake fax requests for medical records. Wound care clinics are frequent targets due to high Medicare volume and audit activity. Learn how to spot a phishing attempt and what steps to take to protect your patients, your data, and your compliance standing.

Wound care teams are seeing a troubling rise in claim denials — often without insight into the reasoning behind them. What if hospitals could preview claims using the same algorithms payers use to reject them? In this post, we explore how algorithm transparency could help reduce errors, improve reimbursement accuracy, and build stronger payer-provider relationships.

Hospitals and physician practices face growing audit risks from CMS, RACs, and other third-party payors. From ADRs to TPE reviews, wound centers must be prepared. Learn how to protect your revenue, align your documentation, and avoid letting the fox into the hen house.

June is Wound Healing Awareness Month — a national effort to raise awareness about chronic wounds, early intervention, and access to advanced care. It’s a chance for hospitals and providers to highlight healing outcomes, educate communities, and strengthen wound care delivery where it matters most.

May is Hyperbaric Awareness Month — spotlighting the role of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in treating chronic wounds and complex conditions. This is a key opportunity for hospitals to highlight HBOT’s healing benefits, educate referring providers, and build support for advanced wound care services.

Wound care terminology is often inconsistent across clinical, academic, and regulatory settings. This post breaks down common terms like CTPs, HCT/Ps, and CAMPs—clarifying what they mean, who uses them, and where each appears in coverage policies, product literature, and documentation. Whether you're a clinician or hospital leader, this quick guide cuts through the confusion.

Every hyperbaric chamber includes a data plate that contains critical safety and compliance details — like manufacturer, model, serial number, pressure rating, and more. This quick guide walks through what’s typically included and why it matters for regulatory audits, documentation, and equipment tracking.

September is PAD Awareness Month — a time to highlight the critical link between vascular health and wound healing. Peripheral artery disease limits blood flow, delaying recovery and increasing risk of limb loss. This post explores why early detection, referral, and vascular support are key for wound care outcomes.

SAAK Health is launching a new evidence-based wound care clinic in Brookfield, WI — bringing advanced treatments and personalized support closer to home. This specialty clinic is designed to serve patients with chronic, non-healing wounds and support local providers through referral coordination and continuity of care.