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CMS: March testing shows readiness for ICD-10; date errors dropped from results

04/20/2015

Providers are getting better at transmitting claims with ICD-10 codes on them, and Medicare administrative contractors (MACs) are getting better at processing them, CMS concluded after the latest round of acknowledgment testing last month.

Open Payments 45-day review period now open for providers

04/20/2015

by: Roy Edroso

Starting April 6, physicians and teaching hospitals can review payments from pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers attributed to them.

Use of NPs, PAs increasing among several top-billed codes

04/20/2015

by: Karen Long

Almost all of the codes most commonly billed by nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) increased in utilization from 2011 to 2013, according to the latest Medicare data available.

Answers to 8 questions about SGR repeal bill’s impact on PQRS, meaningful use

04/13/2015

by: Richard Scott

Look over the horizon and you’ll see big changes to data-reporting systems, including the Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) and meaningful use programs, if the “SGR repeal” bill gets a thumbs-up from the Senate in mid-April.

Feds’ data analysis of doctor’s prescription pattern leads to guilty plea

04/13/2015

by: Marla Durben Hirsch

Don’t think your physicians’ billing activity is too small to be noticed. A new case demonstrates that the government’s radar can go more deeply into the weeds than ever.

OIG ramps up meaningful use audits on top of CMS’ audit efforts

04/13/2015

by: Marla Durben Hirsch

If you thought practices couldn’t be audited any more than they already are, brace yourself: HHS’ Office of Inspector General (OIG) has begun to audit physicians’ compliance with the meaningful use electronic health record (EHR) incentive program.

‘Floor time’ allowable when documenting time for inpatient E/M services

04/13/2015

by: Scott Kraft

Make sure that face-to-face time spent counseling the patient or coordinating care dominates the total service time when you’re also counting “floor time” in the hospital toward an E/M visit.

Pre-op work-up on screening colonoscopy not billable — unless something changes

04/13/2015

by: Roy Edroso

Question: Is the E/M service on a screening colonoscopy billable?

Drug price changes show 101.9% higher payments for albuterol

04/13/2015

by: Scott Kraft

About a handful more drugs saw their Medicare prices increase April 1 compared with those that decreased, according to a Part B News analysis of drug price changes under Medicare’s payment formula, which uses the average sales price (ASP) plus 6%.

As Senate action on SGR repeal looms, get your practice through the interim period

04/06/2015

by: Richard Scott

You can expect big changes to your reimbursement and reporting policy should the Senate pass the “SGR repeal” bill upon its return to chambers on April 13, but for now, you’ll want to keep submitting your Part B charges without change or hold them until there’s a resolution to the 21% cut that rolled in April 1.

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