Effective January 1, 2017 Physical and Occupational Therapists will be using new complexity-based evaluation codes and a new re-evaluation code for each discipline. This policy change was discussed in the CY 2017 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule rulemaking. The goal is
Author: Gina Tomcsik
2nd
Nov
CMS Awards Recovery Audit Contractors
On October 31, 2016, The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reported on their RAC Website that they have awarded new round of contracts for the Medicare Fee-for-Service Recovery Audit Contractors (RACs). The mission of the RAC program is
12th
Oct
Long Term Care Associations Work to Strengthen Compliance
Leaders and staff from the National Association for the Support of Long Term Care (NASL) have been working with APTA, AOTA, and ASHA to develop resource materials for therapists regarding accurate information about Medicare billing and best practices in the long
3rd
Oct
Are you over the $3,700 Thresholds?
In February of 2016, CMS reported that Strategic Health Solutions will be the Supplemental Medical Review Contractor (or “SMRC”) performing post-payment Manual Medical review of all Medicare Part B claims that exceed the $3,700 threshold. This manual review is required as
9th
Sep
Saying Farewell to Select CPT Codes
CPT Codes Heaven-Bound? So long and farewell to PT and OT CPT codes 97001, 97002, 97003, and 97004! According to The Department of Health and Human Services’ proposed rule, Physical and Occupational Therapy Evaluation codes will be changing effective on
11th
Jul
What the 2017 CDC Codes Mean for Therapy
On June 24, 2016, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released 2017’s ICD-10-CM codes. These 2017 ICD-10-CM codes are to be used for patient encounters and for discharges occurring from October 1, 2016 through September 30, 2017. What
9th
Jun
How to Reduce the Stress of a Government Audit
Government audits are stressful, demanding, nerve-wracking, and becoming more of a focus for government agencies. As the government is buckling down more on the medical necessity of therapy services, providers need to do more. Not only do providers need to ensure
28th
Mar
The Huge Reason to Never Hug the RUG
Who doesn’t like a hug now and then? Giving and receiving a hug will decrease stress and show others that you care. But when you “hug a RUG”, that will have the opposite effect. You will increase stress and the
24th
Feb
Check it Triple Twice!
What kind of title is that? Does it make sense? If you are a facility who embraces the Triple Check process, then the title will make sense to you and maybe even give you a little chuckle! A Triple Check meeting
15th
Jan
Our PHI is NOT Under Lock and Key!
HHS Office for Civil Rights has recently released a fact sheet which is first in a series of FAQs to clarify further an individual’s core right under HIPAA to access and obtain a copy of their health information. The Office