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How to use compensation metrics to guide MDs to the practice model you prefer

01/18/2021

A new AMA report on physician compensation suggests that hybrid arrangements — that is, compensation based in part on salary and in part on productivity or other factors — are becoming increasingly common. Depending on your set-up, you should consider adapting to the new normal or rejiggering your compensation plans to better align your practice and retain your docs.

COVID and RVU-based reimbursement: Adjusting the algorithms

01/18/2021

by: Roy Edroso

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all aspects of health care, and physician compensation is no exception. That would be particularly true for physicians whose productivity payments were affected by COVID-related closures, reduced patient traffic and the switch to telemedicine.

CMS boosts conversion factor for 2021 fee schedule by 8%, RVUs stay steady

01/18/2021

by: Richard Scott

Responding to a COVID-19 omnibus bill passed in late December, CMS revised the 2021 conversion factor under the Part B fee schedule to $34.89. That marks a nearly 8% increase from the $32.41 rate that the agency had previously approved in the final 2021 Medicare physician fee schedule Dec. 1.

Under 2021 guidelines, auditors can’t penalize practices that code based on time

01/18/2021

by: Julia Kyles

Practices and billing practitioners should use the coding method that benefits the practitioner when they decide whether to code an office visit based on time or medical decision-making (MDM). Auditors should not second-guess the provider’s choice during a review.

New CMS tech rule could speed up prior auth — but leaves out Medicare Advantage

01/18/2021

by: Roy Edroso

A new CMS proposed rule related to prior authorization would require insurers to put in technical processes to speed up those administrative approvals. But take heed: It omits one large area of provider concern.

E/M fees, already buoyant in 2021, see added gains under revamped rates

01/18/2021

by: Richard Scott

The outlook on E/M office visit payments was looking strong heading into 2021, but recent fee changes are on track to supercharge those services.

2021 Physician Fee Schedule Rates: Updated 1/4/21

01/13/2021

by: Richard Scott

On Jan. 4, 2021, CMS updated the Part B conversion factor to $34.89, an increase of 8% over the previously finalized rate. The agency also revised total relative value units (RVU) for hundreds of services. Find the latest fees here.

Proposed HIPAA rule would cut red tape, make PHI transfers easier

01/11/2021

by: Roy Edroso

A new proposed rule promises to make some HIPAA Privacy Rule requirements simpler for providers to fulfill by eliminating paperwork and permissions related to the transfer of protected health information (PHI).

Giant relief bill set to increase physicians’ 2021 fees, hold G2211

01/11/2021

by: Laura Evans, CPC

Physicians can breathe a little easier in the new year — Congress has erased the deep Medicare fee cuts CMS laid out in the final 2021 physician fee schedule as an offset to higher E/M pay rates.

Stark, anti-kickback rules reduce compliance load, but read the fine print

01/11/2021

by: Julia Kyles, CPC

Here’s some good news to start the year: The new rules that update the Stark physician self-referral law and the anti-kickback statute should make it easier for practices to stay in compliance with the expansive anti-fraud laws.

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