Part B News | Part B News

09/01/2016

Federal healthcare reform has changed the healthcare landscape, but not always for the better. One post-healthcare reform problem that has gotten worse is out-of-network billing. With insurers engaged in a never-ending process of adjusting provider networks in search of better coverage and lower costs, providers have been moved around at an unprecedented rate.

States take action against out-of-network bills

09/01/2016

With out-of-network bills becoming a bigger problem, some states are passing laws that make it more difficult for providers to charge patients out-of-network rates.

Millennials look outside the box for care

09/01/2016

Several new studies find that millennials are more likely to rely on retail health clinics for care than primary care physicians and more prone to base healthcare decisions on cost rather than quality.

Study finds one free meal can influence physicians

09/01/2016

A new study has found that physicians can be swayed to prescribe new prescription drugs for pharmaceutical companies after the pharma company buys the physician just one meal.

E/M utilization flat in 2015 — but watch out for late baby boomers (Updated)

08/29/2016

by: Roy Edroso

A coming wave of Medicare-age beneficiaries with a strong interest in their own health care means you should expect an uptick in E/M claims over the next few years, despite recent small increases in E/M utilization shown by newly released Medicare data.

CMS seeking feedback on how to improve Open Payments program

08/29/2016

by: Marla Durben Hirsch

CMS seeks provider input to enhance the Open Payments program and update its reporting requirements.

Use a modifier to overcome bundled codes involving advance care planning

08/29/2016

by: Richard Scott

Question: I have a provider who is billing for CPT code 99497, which is advance care planning (ACP), and I’m receiving denials on some claims — but not others. For example, I get denied every time I bill 99497 with hospital code 99222. Yet my claims with 99232 go through successfully. Can you help?

The Stark Reality: Costly biller oversights, outdated fee schedules

08/29/2016

by: Stark Medical Auditing

Overcome billing errors with an inside look at the auditor's toolbox, including an investigation into laboratory services, fee schedule updates, IT system upgrades and more.

Wi-Fi can be OK – but keep security tight and watch 'public' Wi-Fi

08/29/2016

by: Roy Edroso

Question: Is our office Wi-Fi a HIPAA vulnerability when it comes to protected health information (PHI)?

NPPs billing of own office E/Ms increases while other specialties see drops

08/29/2016

by: Roy Edroso

Non-physician practitioners (NPPs) increased their billing of 99201-99215 in 2015, going up 17.4% for nurse practitioners (NPs) and 16.4% for physician assistants (PAs).

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