CMS hopes to scale back its mandatory joint replacement bundled payment program and fully cancel its cardiac bundled payment programs before they even begin in January 2018. Does this give emergency physicians the chance to help shape future programs? READ MORE
Indiana Health Coverage Plans recently announced they will unbundle conscious sedation from approximately 400 procedure codes and begin reimbursing providers separately for the conscious sedation. READ MORE
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
