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CMS summary of second quarter 2023 HCPCS updates includes 16 new codes

09/11/2023

CMS recently published a summary of its second quarter 2023 HCPCS Level II code update application decisions, accepting 16 of 24 submissions, according to MLN Connects.

Injections, E/M hospital visits top list of locum tenens services

09/11/2023

by: Richard Scott

When subbing in a physician under locum tenens arrangements, the situation often involves diagnostic radiology services and cancer care. Among E/M services, hospital visits are more likely to involve a substitute physician than office visits.

You can ‘fire’ patients for just cause, but hew to a clear policy

08/28/2023

by: Roy Edroso

Patient abandonment is a real ethical and, sometimes, legal issue. Generally you have a right to refuse service if your reasons are sound. But you should follow guidelines and be extra attentive to any special care claim the patient may have on you.

Patient discharge hard cases: An expert’s view

08/28/2023

by: Roy Edroso

When it comes to ‘firing’ patients, dangerous and uncooperative patients are in most cases an easy call. But what about patients who through no fault of their own may be difficult for a practice to handle? Patricia A. Markus, a partner with the Nelson Mullins law firm in Raleigh, N.C., shares her expertise on such cases.

Practices mull compensation shake-ups even as split/shared change waits

08/28/2023

by: Julia Kyles, CPC

CMS will allow providers to determine the substantive portion of a split/shared visit based on performance of a key element for another year. The delay may temporarily calm fears that time-based substantive portion calculations will equal serious cuts to physician pay and practice revenue.

Q&A: Master risk analysis, information system activity reviews and more

08/28/2023

by: Rebecca Herold

Part B News welcomes compliance expert Rebecca Herold to answer a series of questions pertaining to critical HIPAA compliance areas, such as risk analysis and risk assessment.

Medicare Advantage flexes power-up vs. traditional Medicare

08/28/2023

by: Roy Edroso

The latest CMS Medicare Enrollment Dashboard figures show Medicare Advantage (MA) about to overtake traditional Medicare in membership – and at least one major health care analyst group thinks it already has.

Medicare MOVEit breach a warning of persistent cyber-danger; watch impact

08/21/2023

by: Roy Edroso

A data breach at a Medicare subcontractor is bad news for affected beneficiaries — and a warning to practices that downstream providers may also be putting their files in danger.

DEA prescribers should start MATE prep before their next renewal date

08/21/2023

by: Julia Kyles, CPC

Make sure clinicians who prescribe controlled substances complete the eight hours of training required by the Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act. Effective June 27, all prescribing clinicians who are registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) must attest that they completed the training when they renew their registration or apply for the first time.

Make sure SUD training meets MATE’s requirements

08/21/2023

by: Julia Kyles, CPC

Whether your prescribers think they’ve met the MATE Act’s training requirements or they’re looking for a way to meet the training requirement before they renew their DEA license, make sure the substance use disorder (SUD) training is offered by a properly accredited group.

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