Part B News | Part B News

Under-1% proposed rate rise, risk adjustment crackdown fret MA payers

02/09/2026

An exceedingly modest proposed rate increase for Medicare Advantage payers may signal the end of the Trump administration’s Medicare Advantage honeymoon. It also could forecast a threat to provider payments, as well as higher premiums and more cuts to the benefits of beneficiaries.

Follow 3 steps when you report an assistant-at-surgery modifier

02/09/2026

by: Julia Kyles, CPC

Take three steps when an assistant surgeon helps during a procedure. First, make sure an assistant at surgery modifier is appropriate for the procedure. Second, make sure the primary surgeon’s note explains why they needed the help of a qualified health care professional (QHP) or another physician for the procedure. Third, make sure you select the correct modifier, based on the assistant’s credentials and role.

Wrap in 2026 ICD-10-CM updates for the flank, genetic disorders

02/09/2026

by: Nancy Reading, BS, CPC, CPC-P, CPC-I

The ICD-10-CM update for 2026 incorporated 487 new codes, revised 38 codes and deleted 28 codes. This included 213 new codes that incorporated the “flank” as an anatomic area related to injuries and 116 new codes for chronic non-pressure skin ulcers. These new codes went into effect October 1, 2025.

Cover Medicare documentation requirements for physical, occupational therapy

02/09/2026

by: DecisionHealth staff

Medicare pays for physical and occupational therapy services when the medical record and the information on the claim form accurately report covered therapy services. That means the documentation must be legible, relevant and sufficient to justify the services billed.

QHPs most likely to be involved in assistant-at-surgery claims

02/09/2026

by: Julia Kyles, CPC

A physician can serve as an assistant at surgery, but Medicare Part B claims data show that a qualified health care professional (QHP) is most likely to answer the call when the primary surgeon needs an extra pair of hands that are guided by advanced clinical training.

Login

User Name:
Password:
Remember me Forgot password
Welcome to the new Part B News Online. If you are a returning user having trouble logging in, please click here.