The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule CMS-1629-F to update the Medicare hospice payment rates and wage index (Final FY 2016 Hospice Wage Index [ZIP, 269KB]) for fiscal year (FY) 2016. The final rule reflects the ongoing efforts of CMS to support beneficiary access to hospice care.
Silicon is a chemical element with symbol Si and atomic number 14. It is a tetravalent metalloid, more reactive than germanium, the metalloid directly below it in the table.Controversy about silicon's character dates to its discovery; it was first prepared and characterized in pure form in 1823.easured by mass, silicon makes up 27.7% of the Earth's crust and is the second most abundant element in the crust, with only oxygen having a greater abundance. Silicon is usually found in the form of complex silicate minerals, and less often as silicon dioxide (silica, a major component of common sand).
Uses of Silicon. 1  Silicon dioxide and silica (in the form of clay or sand) are important components of bricks, concrete and Portland cement. 2  Silicon is a semiconductor. 3  This means that electrical flow can be controlled by using silicon parts.4  Therefore, silicon is very important in the electrical industry. Silicon carbide is a very important abrasive. 2  Silicates can be used to make both pottery and enamel. 3  Sand, which contains silicon, is a very important component of glass. 4  Silicones are used in high temperature greases and waxes, breast implants, contact lenses, explosives and pyrotechnics (like fireworks).