Part B News | Part B News

Experts: 9 months to go — time for ICD-10 restart with testing, cash reserve

01/12/2015

Now that the ICD-10 deadline is less than nine months away, experts warn against foot-dragging and advise you to focus on the big things — finding testing opportunities and shoring up your cash reserves for Oct. 1.

CMS restarts RAC program, makes changes to rules for auditing claims

01/12/2015

by: Josh Poltilove

Practices can expect increased review of claims now that CMS announced the official restart of their recovery auditor (RAC) reviews.

Follow these 5 tips on modifier 25 to correctly bill separate E/M services

01/12/2015

by: Richard Scott

When a patient in for a procedure requires additional services, you’ll want to make sure same-day E/M services are distinct and documented comprehensively to avoid a modifier 25 denial, which accounts for millions in denied claims annually.

More CME payments to providers may be reportable under CMS clarification

01/12/2015

by: Roy Edroso

A clarification from CMS on Open Payments and continuing medical education (CME) leaves your physicians vulnerable to more nettlesome associations with drug and device companies online.

Top denial rates of modifier 25 include low-level E/M, preventive services

01/12/2015

by: Richard Scott

Modifier 25 (Significantly, separately identifiable E/M service) is linked to hundreds of millions of dollars in denied claims annually, according to an analysis of 2013 Medicare data, the latest available.

2015 predictions: ICD-10 will start, meaningful use will stall, PQRS won’t stick

01/05/2015

by: Roy Edroso & Richard Scott

Here are Part B News’ predictions for the new year, with input from industry experts and more than 110 readers.

2014 predictions: Too early on ICD-10; right about HIE, permanent SGR fix

01/05/2015

by: Karen Long & Marla Durben Hirsch

Part B News hit the target on some predictions but missed on others. Here are the results from the forecasts we made in 2014.

Practice-buying will slow in 2015 — but some markets will keep booming

01/05/2015

by: Roy Edroso

Acquisition experts agreed a slight downturn in buying activity will occur in the new year, though regional markets may vary, new kinds of buyers will emerge and certain types of practices — for example, primary care practices — have great chances for getting picked up.

More large practices working on stage 2 meaningful use; some shirk EHR program

01/05/2015

by: DecisionHealth Staff

Almost 35% of practices with more than 20 physicians will attest to stage 2 meaningful use for 2014 and plan to achieve the same requirements in the new year. That number is lower — 30.9% — for practices with 20 or fewer physicians, according to 114 respondents to Part B News’ 2015 predictions survey.

Breaking News: 'Technical error' in 2015 physician fee schedule will trim pay, delay claims by 14 days

01/05/2015

by: DecisionHealth Staff

Don't use the pricing files you pulled from your Medicare administrative contractor (MAC) at the end of the year and prepare for a hold on claims. Thanks to last-minute revisions to the 2015 conversion factor and relative value units (RVUs), MACs will hold your claims for the first 14 days of 2015 and you may not know the fees for your services until Jan. 20 at the latest.

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.