For months, we’ve been hearing about the surge of telehealth visits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some sources estimated the increase was as much as 8,000 percent from the previous year. But now that patients are able to return to doctors’ offices and clinics throughout the country, what is the current state of telehealth? READ MORE
The rising complexity and cost of emergency care has been a frequent target of policy makers and clinical leaders over the past decade, with some experts worried about the cascading effect of subsequent healthcare spending once the patient leaves the emergency department. However, new research suggests that high quality emergency care not only saves lives but also saves money, especially for Medicare beneficiaries. READ MORE
Based on a provision in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, enacted on March 27, 2020, hospitals are receiving a 20 percent increase in payment for individuals being treated for COVID-19. Starting September 1, CMS will require a positive COVID-19 test to prove it. READ MORE
CMS recently published the latest proposed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, which updates payment rates and policies for 2021. We’ve highlighted a few of the biggest changes for anesthesiologists. READ MORE
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services CMS recently published the proposed draft of the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for 2021. In addition to changing the payment rates for 2021, the Proposed Rule also recommends changes to several payment policies. We’ve highlighted a few of the biggest changes. READ MORE
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently published the proposed draft of the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) for 2021. In addition to changing the payment rates for 2021, the Final Rule also mandates changes to several payment policies. We’ve highlighted a few of the biggest changes that will impact emergency physicians. READ MORE
More money from the COVID-19 Provider Relief Fund is headed to hospitals and long-term care facilities in areas most impacted by COVID-19, but for providers who opted for Medicare Accelerated and Advance Payments, recoupment is set to begin soon unless Congress intervenes. READ MORE
An additional $4 billion in Provider Relief Funds has been earmarked for healthcare providers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), safety net hospitals, providers in rural and certain small metropolitan areas, and dentists may receive funding through this latest tranche of $175 billion in relief funds allocated to hospitals and other healthcare providers through the CARES Act and the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act. READ MORE
Physicians and other MIPS-eligible providers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for a 2020 MIPS Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances Exception. The hardship exception application allows providers to request one or more performance categories be reweighted to 0 percent. READ MORE
Beginning July 1, 2020, Indiana Medicaid will begin reimbursing Emergency Medical Services provider agencies for administering naloxone. Below, we’ve provided guidelines for documenting, coding and billing this newly reimbursed service. READ MORE
