Year: 2021

How Policy, Regulation Will Challenge Consolidation in Healthcare

How Policy, Regulation Will Challenge Consolidation in Healthcare

  A new executive order is putting consolidation in healthcare in the spotlight; industry experts share what policy and regulation will mean for provider merger and acquisition activity. Healthcare mergers and acquisitions have promised to bring lower costs, higher quality, and better access to care. But a new executive order is challenging the rapid pace […]
New bill aims to boost Medicare access to chronic care services

New bill aims to boost Medicare access to chronic care services

  New legislation aims to eliminate the cost-sharing requirement for Medicare beneficiaries to get chronic care management services and reimburse providers for 100% of the payment. The legislation, reintroduced Thursday, intends to boost access among seniors to chronic care management services that include creating a care plan and medication reconciliation and adherence. “Chronic health conditions […]

How 2 Rural Hospitals use charities to help Patients without-of-pocket costs

Outside financial aid might not be the best long-term solution to the national problem of high healthcare costs and inadequate insurance coverage, but two rural hospitals are taking innovative approaches to tapping philanthropic resources to reduce their bad debt and help patients with medical bills. The American Hospital Association’s latest Annual Survey of Hospitals showed […]
2022 ICD-10-CM Guidelines Released

2022 ICD-10-CM Guidelines Released

Released earlier than usual, the fiscal year (FY) 2022 ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting became available online Monday, July 12, and include instructions for assigning novel code U09.9 Post COVID-19 condition (found under Section I.C.1.g.1). Familiarize yourself with the following new and revised guidance, effective October 1, to ensure proper diagnosis coding and […]
Hospital Pros and Cons of the CY 2022 OPPS Proposed Rule

Hospital Pros and Cons of the CY 2022 OPPS Proposed Rule

Hospital groups are digesting the 863-page CY 2022 OPPS proposed rule, but many are already commenting on new hospital price transparency penalties and other policies. The newly proposed Medicare Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) rule for calendar year (CY) 2022 is causing a stir with new hospital price transparency enforcement rules and other policies. The […]