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Pushback prompts CMS to alter course on critical care policy

11/22/2021

A revised policy that will go into effect Jan. 1, 2022, represents two wins for the medical practices, individual practitioners and various organizations that protested unpopular sections of CMS’ proposed policies for critical care services (99291-99292).

Split/shared for critical care: Focus on timekeeping, activity tracking, modifiers

11/22/2021

by: Julia Kyles, CPC

CMS will allow split/shared billing for critical care services effective Jan. 1, 2022, but you should complete training on the guidelines before submitting a claim for encounters that involve both a physician and non-physician practitioner (NPP).

Vaccine mandate skirts physician practices but may cover some employees

11/22/2021

by: Roy Edroso

The CMS interim final rule requiring health care facilities to vaccinate their staff does not directly cite physician practices, but that doesn’t mean you’re completely free. Watch out for circumstances that might require at least some of your staff to get vaccinated anyway.

Need cyber insurance? Beef up security as coverage gets more costly, demanding

11/22/2021

by: Roy Edroso

Thanks to a wave of ransomware attacks, the cyber insurance market is expanding. Yet the rise of cybercrime also means that premiums are rising and limits are tightening. Be aware of what insurers are doing, and how you can get the most out of the policy you pick.

CMS expands scope of OIG exclusions list; hints at short-period claims reviews

11/22/2021

by: Richard Scott

CMS confirmed that it is finalizing an earlier proposal to expand the list of personnel who may fall into the Office of Inspector General’s (OIG) exclusions list for provider and supplier enrollment.

Final version of selected-procedure chart adds more pain

11/22/2021

by: Roy Edroso

The numbers contained in CMS’ short list of high-volume codes are even less rosy than this year’s earlier proposal, with harsher payment cuts coming in CY 2022.

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