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59 v. X[EPSU]: Practices see mixed results when using X modifiers

04/17/2023

Instead of modifier 59 (Distinct procedural service), medical groups regularly turned to the CMS-approved series of X modifiers for distinct procedural services in 2021 – and found success with them.

An M.D. retirement ‘wave’? Protect yourself from coming doc drain

04/10/2023

by: Roy Edroso

A new report suggests you face a big wave of physician retirements over the next 10 years. Make sure you’re not only giving your current clinical staff reasons to stay, but also making sure you’re on the same page about when and how they’re leaving.

Track other providers’ remote monitoring programs to guide your practice

04/10/2023

by: Julia Kyles, CPC

Look to providers who currently offer remote physiologic monitoring (RPM) and remote therapeutic monitoring (RTM) services if your practice wants to add a remote program but isn’t sure how to start.

Look to new cyber ‘framework’ to bolster data security, aid insurance claims

04/10/2023

by: Roy Edroso

A new guidance document from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is being promoted by HHS as a way for health care organizations to strengthen their cybersecurity via added coordination with top management. Experts think it could be useful — and may also provide added protection if you have a breach and cyberinsurers try to poke holes in your claim.

Stick to current POS guidelines for post-PHE telehealth visits

04/10/2023

by: Julia Kyles, CPC

Question: Our practice will continue to perform telehealth office visits (99202-99215) under the waiver extension. Which place of service (POS) should we use for Medicare patients after the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) ends?

Retirement crunch: Docs cite burnout, cash; administrators don’t see it

04/10/2023

by: Richard Scott

Amid reports of a potential retirement crisis among medical groups, administrators are underestimating the reason that many physicians are heading for the exits. Physicians indicate that burnout and financial concerns are two of the leading reasons to hang it up, yet few administrators see it that way.

April 1, 2023 ICD-10-CM code file

04/04/2023

by: Julia Kyles, CPC

Bring your staff up to date on the ICD-10-CM code changes that went into effect April 1.

At end of PHE, patients will hunt for tests, incur costs; prepare now

04/03/2023

by: Roy Edroso

Facts on the ground are changing in real time, but some trends clearly show what you can expect after the end of the COVID public health emergency (PHE): a return to pre-COVID standards in many legal and regulatory areas, while patients who no longer have free COVID-related services will likely seek them from physician practices.

3 NPP policies created during the PHE won’t change after May 11

04/03/2023

by: Julia Kyles, CPC

Medicare expanded the services non-physician practitioners (NPP) can perform during the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE). A recent CMS change request serves as a reminder that some of the flexibilities are now permanent, even after the PHE ends May 11, 2023.

MedPAC recommends inflation-adjusted physician payment, add-on fees

04/03/2023

by: Roy Edroso

The latest MedPAC report to Congress, released March 15, includes a proposal to boost physicians' 2024 Medicare payments based on the Medicare Economic Index (MEI). This has intrigued industry groups, although they aren’t satisfied with the numbers. The Medicare watchdog also suggests standing bonuses for some care delivered to poorer patients and reiterates its concerns about Medicare Advantage.

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