As more and more details of the MIPS program are distributed, it would be easy for providers to get confused about the difference between phrases like “special status,” “eligibility requirements,” and “hardship exemptions.” So what does “special status” mean? Who qualifies for a hardship exemption? And are you even eligible to participate in the program? Read more
Some physicians may benefit from future changes in Medicare billing policy as outlined in the proposed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule released earlier in June, but probably not anesthesiologists. CMS is asking for comments on a reduced anesthesia conversion factor, revaluing of anesthesia procedures during GI procedures, and other proposed changes by September 11. Read more
If you’ve been using locum tenens arrangements to help your practice with temporary physician absences, you’ll want to take note of a name change by the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services. Read more
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) wants to give most Medicare providers a modest pay increase for 2018, though not all providers will see the benefits. Read more
Emergency physicians may benefit from future changes in Medicare billing policy outlined in the proposed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule released earlier in June. CMS is asking for comments on two different guidelines that could ease documentation guidelines and improve reimbursement for coding and billing E/M services in the emergency department. Read more
A proposed rule updating the Medicare Quality Payment Program was released on June 30, 2017, by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. While changes were recommended to both tracks of the QPP (Advanced APMs and Merit-Based Incentive Payment System), we will highlight those affecting MIPS since more physicians will participate in that track, at least in the initial years of the program. Read more
A list of approved qualified clinical data registries was finally released in late May, five months into the first reporting period for the CMS Merit-based Incentive Payment System. Among the list of approved QCDRs was AQI’s National Anesthesia Clinical Outcomes Registry. Read more
Most likely you’ve been using application service providers (ASP) for years for things like email, website hosting, office productivity, and more recently your electronic health record. But did you know there are advantages to using an ASP for your medical billing, too? Read more
A list of approved qualified clinical data registries was finally released late last month, five months into the first reporting period for the CMS Merit-based Incentive Payment System. Among the list of approved QCDRs was ACEPs Clinical Emergency Data Registry. Read more
Emergency physicians charge uninsured or out of network patients as much as four times more than what they are willing to accept in payment from Medicare, according to a recent study from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. But the American College of Emergency Physicians says the study relies on flawed methodology and incorrect assumptions about the cost of emergency care. Read more
