Within one year, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services must propose regulations that adjust the network adequacy requirements for Medicare Advantage plans to factor in access to telehealth services per a Trump Executive Order. By Dr. Amit Phull 1 Comment / Oct 14, 2019 at 9:00 AM On Oct. 3, President Trump signed an […]
Over the last decade, few issues in politics have been more polarizing than healthcare. It’s driven a deep wedge between Democrats and Republicans, particularly following the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the subsequent efforts to repeal it, and has caused rifts within those parties. Yet despite all the animosity, there is one […]
On October 3, President Trump issued an executive order on “protecting and improving Medicare for our nation’s seniors.” For now, it’s only a statement of intent, but there’s quite a bit to like among the stated intentions. I’ve long argued that both Republicans and Democrats focus too heavily on the demand side of health care […]
Six new codes that are part of the 2020 Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) code set will help physicians and others report a range of digital health services including electronic visits through secure patient portal messages. The new codes are spurred by digital health tools that are growing in popularity, such as patient portals. These tools […]
The American Medical Association (AMA) released updates to its Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes for 2020, including new codes to keep doctors up-to-date with new technology. The AMA released 394 code changes, including 248 new codes, 71 deletions and 75 revisions. The changes, which will take effect on January 1, 2020, reflect new tech-enabled patient services. […]
CHICAGO —The American Medical Association (AMA) today announced the release of the 2020 Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) code set containing identifiers and descriptors assigned to each medical, surgical, and diagnostic services available to patients. Trusted since 1966 as the health system’s common language, the CPT code set enables accurate reporting, measurement, analysis, and benchmarking of […]
12 August 2019 Health Care Law Today Blog Authors: Emily H. WeinNathaniel M. Lacktman On July 29, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued its proposed 2020 Physician Fee Schedule rule, which contains new telehealth services covered under Medicare. Surprisingly, CMS did not receive any provider requests to add new telehealth services this […]
On July 29, 2019, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued three proposed rules on payment updates and policy changes for calendar year 2020 under 1) the Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Payment System (the OPPS Proposed Rule);1 2) the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (the PFS […]
Tuesday, August 6, 2019 Last week, CMS proposed two significant changes to remote patient monitoring (RPM) services reimbursed under the Medicare program. The changes, part of the proposed 2020 Physician Fee Schedule, have been hotly anticipated by digital health providers hoping to see more clarity and flexibility for RPM services. The creation of new RPM codes at the […]
Proposed Policy, Payment, and Quality Provisions Changes to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for Calendar Year 2020 On July 29, 2019, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule that includes proposals to update payment policies, payment rates, and quality provisions for services furnished under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) […]
By Maggie Flynn | July 28, 2019 Skilled nursing providers are becoming increasingly interested in telehealth technology as a way of improving clinical outcomes and reducing care costs. But systemic obstacles blocking capital investment — and SNFs’ generally narrow margins — and cultural resistance mean that it’s hard for providers to implement the technology, Lana […]
By Jack Silverstein | July 28, 2019 The recent rule changes to Medicare Advantage (MA) from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services have created a level of flexibility and creativity for home care participation that is nearly unchecked. For example, the final call letter for MA plan year 2020 notes that “MA organizations have broad […]
“The question of how telehealth can improve hospital revenue cycles is an evolving area worthy of additional study beyond the ATA Report,” says the American Telemedicine Association’s CEO. More states than ever are expanding telehealth coverage and reimbursement, according to a new report from the American Telemedicine Association (ATA). It shows that since 2017, 40 […]
By Jack Silverstein | July 23, 2019 The Medicare Advantage revolution continues to grow — and starting in 2020, home care providers will reap the rewards. Through a series of law changes over the past decade, including the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 and the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, Medicare’s move […]
American Telemedicine Association’s “State of the States Report” finds progress, but still sees strategies for states to be incentivized to adopt pro-telehealth policies. By Nathan EddyJuly 19, 201911:03 AM Expansion of telehealth coverage and reimbursement at the state level has grown since 2017, according to the latest American Telemedicine Association The report indicates that while […]