Category: Blog

Patient Access To New Technologies

CMS Announces HCPCS Coding, Coverage And Payment Initiatives To Improve Patient Access To New Technologies

On May 2, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS or the Agency) announced in a press release that it will be changing how frequently the Agency reviews applications for new and revised Level II codes under the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS). Specifically, CMS stated that the Agency “is moving to a process with […]
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Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage Dual Eligible’s Have Fewer ER Visits Than Those Under FFS

Dual eligible Medicare Advantage beneficiaries had 42.1% less emergency room visits than their fee-for-service counterparts. The cost of care and rate of hospitalizations for dual eligible Medicare Advantage (MA) beneficiaries was considerably lower than dual eligibles under fee-for-service (FFS), according to an Avalere Health study released Tuesday evening. Dual eligible Medicare Advantage (MA) populations averaged healthcare […]
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Prior Authorization Process Moves Closer To Automation

Prior Authorization Process Moves Closer To Automation

CAQH CORE, a healthcare industry-led operating standards group, has announced new rules that move the healthcare industry closer to fully automating the prior authorization process. “Not only do the operating rules represent a foundational step forward in improving the prior authorization process, they also signal broad industry commitment to adopting tangible solutions to reduce administrative burdens,” said […]
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Customize Patient Financial Encounters For Revenue Cycle Success

Customize Patient Financial Encounters For Revenue Cycle Success

Healthcare is a top priority for American voters and there aren’t dramatic differences by ideology, according to a new survey. Adopted from the marketing industry, customer segmentation allows health systems to further customize the patient financial experience and help them get paid. Key Takeaways Tailor billing strategies and patient payment options to a financial situation […]
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Healthcare Remains Primary Concern for Voters, with Strong Support For ‘Medicare-For-All’

Healthcare is a top priority for American voters and there aren’t dramatic differences by ideology, according to a new survey. Key Takeaways Thirty six percent of Americans ranked healthcare as the most important policy issue facing the nation’s future. Seventy two percent of Americans responded that they were satisfied with the healthcare they received while […]
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Providers Exempt

Are Providers Exempt From Information Blocking Backlash?

Keen on giving Americans in federally-funded programs more control over their healthcare, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has been working closely with past and present administrations to establish regulations governing electronic health information (EHI). On March 4, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) published a proposed […]
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CMS To Revamp Coding For New Medical Technology

CMS To Revamp Coding For New Medical Technology

Dive Brief CMS Administrator Seema Verma announced Thursday the agency will overhaul coding regulations that she argues have hindered beneficiary access to new medical technology. Medical device companies will now be able to apply for a new permanent Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) code twice a year, instead of annually. CMS also recently eliminated […]
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How to Prevent and Manage Claim Denials

How to Prevent and Manage Claim Denials

For many healthcare providers, claim denials are a frustrating cost of doing business. Each year, around 5-10% of medical billing claims are rejected (possibly more). With each claim costing around $25 to rework, providers lose billions in eroded revenue and productivity. Any revenue leakage is bad enough, but the shift towards value-based care means tighter revenue cycle management […]
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