You are probably familiar with the CMS “never events” initiative. CMS has decided it will not reimburse hospitals for treatment related to complications which it says should never occur. Here is the current list:

Foreign object retained after surgery

Air embolism

Blood incompatibility

Stage III and IV pressure ulcers

Falls and trauma

Manifestations of poor glycemic control

Catheter-associated urinary tract infection

Vascular catheter-associated infection

Surgical site infection after coronary artery bypass graft, bariatric surgery for obesity and certain orthopedic procedures

Deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism after certain orthopedic procedures

According to American Medical News, two more complications have been proposed as additions. One is acquired conditions stemming from cardiac implantable electronic device surgeries and the other is iatrogenic pneumothorax associated with venous catheterization.

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