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The goal of this research paper is to provide a case study of two ACA initiatives focused specifically on Medicare cost reduction: Readmissions Reduction Program (RRP) and Value-Based Purchasing (VBP). The paper discusses generally how the ACA reforms are aimed to reduce Medicare costs through these two cost reduction programs and how hospitals are impacted by the financial penalties associated with these reforms. Through a case study of a Midwestern regional acute care hospital, detailed solutions will be provided on ways to limit financial losses. Additionally, consideration will be given to how much a hospital should weigh its investment in improving program metrics versus the net overall benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a risk analysis that was conducted in order to estimate the adverse health effects anticipated from the potential collapse of a historically contaminated building. Towards this direction several dust dispersion scenarios were simulated, and the resulting concentrations of the contaminants of concern were compared to appropriate emergency exposure limits. The results indicate that irreversible or other serious health effects could occur, especially among the most vulnerable groups of the population. However, these worrying findings were helpful towards accelerating the approval process of the proposed remedial measures, which are expected to start shortly. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]