Tagged with Anesthesia
CMS Issues Renewed Guidance to Ensure Medicaid Program Integrity
On June 20, CMS released a renewed guidance to state Medicaid agencies that outlines the necessary assurances that states should make to ensure that program resources are reserved for those who meet eligibility requirements.
CMS Releases 2018 ACA Risk-Adjustment Data
CMS, on June 28, released its report summary of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) risk adjustment program for the 2018 benefit year. The analysis found that 572 health insurers offering ACA plans participated in the program in 2018, and transfers between the companies totaled $10.4 billion.
CMS Issues FAQs on BPCI Advanced Model
CMS, on June 21, issued several new or updated frequently asked questions documents on the Bundled Payments for Care Improvement (BPCI) Advanced Model, an Advanced Alternative Payment Model launched last October that will run through 2023.
Illinois Physician Group Oppose Proposed Changes to State’s Nurse Practice Act
Seven organizations representing Illinois physicians and dentists, called the Preserve the Anesthesia Care Team, are protesting the proposed Illinois House Bill 2813, that if passed, would allow Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) to administer anesthesia without the physical presence of a medical doctor or dentist.
ICD-10-CM Coding Changes Released for FY 2020
CMS has provided ICD-10-CM coding updates for the fiscal year, starting October 1, 2019 and ending September 30, 2020.
Federal Judge Rules ACA is Unconstitutional
A federal judge in Texas has ruled that the entire Affordable Care Act (ACA) is unconstitutional on the grounds that its mandate requiring people to buy health insurance is unconstitutional and the rest of the law cannot stand without it.
Aetna Update for CPT II Codes for High Blood Pressure Measurements
Aetna has issued an update regarding the use of CPT II codes for HEDIS® high blood pressure measurements for patients diagnosed with hypertension.
Anthem BCBS Professional Bundled Services and Supplies Update
Anthem has released an update regarding the coding of bundled services for continuous intraoperative neurophysiology monitoring, from outside the operating room.
Humana Claim Payment Policy Update
Humana has published a new claim payment policy update for durable medical equipment (DME) repair and replacement.
Connecticut – Provider Termination Requirements
Aetna has posted a reminder regarding provider contract termination requirements in the state of Connecticut.
New York – Anthem Reimbursement Policy Updates
Anthem has posted several reimbursement policy updates, including updates to its Rule of Eight” Reporting Guidelines, system updates for 2019, and updates to policy for Modifier 69.
CMS Publishes Final CY 2019 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Rates and Policies
On November 1, CMS issued the Calendar Year (CY) 2019 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) final rule. The final rule updates payment policies, payment rates, and other provisions for services furnished under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) on or after January 1, 2019.
CMS Finalizes Medicare OPPS, ASC Rates and Policies for 2019
CMS has finalized Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) rates and policies for calendar year 2019.
CMS Introduces New Cost Comparison Tool
In an effort to improve healthcare price transparency, CMS launched a tool that allows consumers to compare Medicare payments and copayments for certain procedures that are performed in both hospital outpatient departments and ambulatory surgical centers.
Delaware Governor Announces Health Care Spending; Quality Benchmarks
Delaware Governor recently signed an executive order establishing state health care spending and quality benchmarks beginning in calendar year 2019.
Illinois Legislature Overrides Veto of Short-Term Health Plan Limit
State legislators in Illinois have voted to override the Governor’s veto of a bill intended to place restrictions on short-term health insurance plans sold in in the state, which are exempt from offering certain protections required under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
CMS Finalizes 2019 Medicare Clinical Lab Payment Determinations
CMS has released its final 2019 Medicare clinical laboratory fee schedule (CLFS) payment determinations for new and reconsidered clinical lab test codes. Specifically, CMS finalized the basis for establishing the payment rate (crosswalking or gapfilling), along with the agency’s rationale for the decision.
UnitedHealthcare Medical Policy Updates
UnitedHealthcare (UHC) has released its most recent medical policy updates for November 2018 which includes complete details on UHC medical policy, medical benefit drug policy, coverage determination guideline), utilization review guideline, and/or quality of care guideline updates, as well as new, updated, revised, replaced and retired health services policies.
