CMS calls for additional participants in post-acute bundled payments programs
By
Tim Mullaney
Feb 18, 2014
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has issued a call for additional providers to take part in a bundled payment program that involves post-acute care.
CMS clarifies rules regarding vaccines, respite care for hospice patients
By
Tim Mullaney
Feb 11, 2014
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has loosened regulatory language regarding which providers can furnish vaccines to hospice patients, and has tightened enforcement of a five-day payment limit...
CMS wants tougher emergency prep rules
By
Tim Mullaney
Feb 01, 2014
Long-term care facilities would have to meet more comprehensive emergency preparedness guidelines if a newly proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is enacted.
Open Door Forum on ‘two-midnight’ hospital stay policy Tuesday
Jan 31, 2014
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is holding a special Open Door Forum conference call at 1 p.m. (Eastern Time) Tuesday to discuss the “two-midnight” hospital inpatient policy. Callers...
A ‘Super’ physician-pay fix in the making?
By
James M. Berklan
Jan 29, 2014
I suppose it’s only fitting that during the week of the season’s biggest football game, Washington healthcare wonks are discussing a potential huge punt of their own.
CMS needs to improve oversight of Medicare contractors’ error rate reduction plans, report says
By
Tim Mullaney
Jan 21, 2014
Too many Medicare providers are receiving improper payments, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services should clamp down by doing a better job overseeing its contractors’ error rate reduction...
Jimmo correction: Assistants may provide maintenance services in skilled nursing facilities
By
Tim Mullaney
Jan 17, 2014
Skilled nursing facilities may be reimbursed for maintenance therapy services performed by assistants, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services clarified in a recent Medicare Benefit Policy manual...
Overdocumentation and cloning in electronic health records are overlooked risks, investigators say
By
Tim Mullaney
Jan 09, 2014
Auditors reviewing Medicare and Medicaid claims from electronic health records are largely treating them in the same manner as paper claims, even though they pose unique risks for overbilling and fraud,...
Ask the payment expert … about changes related to Jimmo v. Sebelius
By
Patricia Boyer
Jan 01, 2014
How come there are so many Medicare A denials when Jimmo v. Sebelius stated we could keep residents on Medicare A even if they are not improving?
Proposed Medicare rules would tighten CMS oversight of nursing home prescriptions
By
Tim Mullaney
Jan 08, 2014
In light of reports that Medicare Part D prescribing practices are endangering seniors — many of them in long-term care facilities — the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has issued a proposed...