Tagged with Telemedicine Billing News
MedPAC Releases 2018 Report
The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) has released its March 2018 Report to Congress on Medicare payment policy, detailing its payment update recommendations to Congress, which the Commissioners voted on in January.
Pennsylvania Updates Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Prior-Authorization Requirements for Substance Use Disorder
Pennsylvania has announced plans to remove a pre-authorization requirement for Medicaid recipients to access Medication-assisted treatments (MAT) for opioid/substance abuse addiction.
CMS Introduces New Interoperability Initiative
CMS has announced its new initiative for interoperability, MyHealthEData. The program has been designed to empower patients by giving them control of their healthcare data, and allowing it to follow them through their healthcare journey.
Pennsylvania Senate Committee Unanimously Approves State Telemedicine Legislation
A Pennsylvania bill that outlines the states telemedicine guidelines around who can provide telemedicine services, and offers clarity around insurance company reimbursement for telehealth services has gained unanimous approval from the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee.
2018 QPP and MPFS Final Rules Released
CMS has released final rules for the 2018 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) and the Quality Payment Program (QPP). The rules, scheduled to take effect January 1, 2018, address changes within the fee schedule as well as other Medicare Part B payment policies, such as changes to the Medicare Shared Savings Program.
MA – Senate Releases Comprehensive Health Care Legislation
Massachusetts Senate leaders have released a comprehensive health care legislation containing a wide range of provisions that, if finalized, would require the state to report the top 50 employers with the highest number of employees who receive coverage through MassHealth as well as require those companies identified to pay a large portion of a $200 million assessment to cover funding shortfalls in the state’s Medicaid program, MassHealth.
VA Issues Proposed Rule to Allow Telemedicine Across State Lines
The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has proposed a rule that would preempt state laws restricting the ability of VA healthcare providers to supply telehealth services to veterans across state lines or within states, intended to increase the availability of mental health, specialty care, and general clinical care to veterans, especially in rural areas.
Senate Finance Committee Approves Chronic Care Bill
The Senate Finance Committee unanimously passed the Creating High-Quality Results and Outcomes Necessary to Improve Chronic (CHRONIC) Care Act of 2017. The legislation seeks to expand telehealth services to Medicaid populations and has received a favorable score by the Congressional Budget Office.
CMS Releases Approved 2017 MIPS Registry List
CMS has released the 2017 list of approved qualified registries. Physician practices may utilize these third-party vendors to report individual or group data for the Quality, Advancing Care Information, and Improvement Activities categories of the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) in order to avoid a -4% penalty and potentially earn a small bonus in 2019.
Congress to Revisit Telehealth for Chronic Care Legislation
The CHRONIC Care Act of 2017 was reintroduced to Congress this month. The proposed bill targets Medicare payment reform for chronic disease management services and would promote the use of telehealth by eliminating geographic restrictions on telestroke consult services, expand telehealth coverage under MA part B, and give ACOs more flexibility to use telehealth services.
Senate Re-introduces Bill to Expand Telehealth Services
The bill hopes to expand existing telehealth services for Medicare patients by improving Medicare reimbursements and encouraging healthcare providers to launch telehealth programs through the DHHS’ Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation.
RI – Telehealth Firms Set Sights on Hospital System Market
The Rhode Island telehealth firm, American Well, along with many other top telehealth firms, are turning their sights toward hospitals and health systems and have been rapidly expanding the parts of their businesses which cater directly to providers.
