Category: Healthcare News

Surgery Modifiers Require Specific Documentation

Surgery Modifiers Require Specific Documentation

Using surgery modifiers to accurately represent the role of assistant surgeons has become increasingly important over the past three decades. Initially, a simple mention of the assistant surgeon’s name in the operative note header sufficed. However, as the healthcare landscape evolved, payers began demanding more granular details about the assistant surgeon’s role and contributions to […]
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Proposed Medicare Payment Policies for 2025

Proposed Medicare Payment Policies for 2025

The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have proposed new 2025 Medicare payment policies for hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) that aim to increase access to care and advance health equity. These policies are outlined in the 2025 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System […]
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Medicare Advantage Market Trends: Growth, Challenges, and Opportunities

Medicare Advantage Market Trends: Growth, Challenges, and Opportunities

Medicare Advantage (MA) has become a dominant force in the Medicare landscape, accounting for over 54% of overall Medicare enrollment. This trend is expected to continue, with penetration rates projected to reach 64% by 2033.  However, the future of the Medicare Advantage market is not without its challenges. The Slowdown Begins While MA has experienced […]
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Reducing Quality Measure Overload in Value-Based Contracts for Primary Care Physicians

With the proliferation of quality measures in value-based contracts, many primary care physicians feel overwhelmed and set up to fail. Research conducted at the healthcare system shows that these clinicians are inundated with an excessive number of quality metrics, often leading to administrative burdens and reduced patient care. One of the primary criticisms of value-based […]
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Navigating the Financial Impact of Value-Based Care (VBC)

Navigating the Financial Impact of Value-Based Care (VBC)

The financial impact of VBC is profound, necessitating adjustments in how providers approach and manage their financial operations to align with this new model of care. The healthcare industry is shifting towards value-based care (VBC), a model that prioritizes high-quality care while aiming to lower costs. In contrast to the traditional fee-for-service model, value-based care […]
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Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Premiums Spike Amid Inflation Reduction Act Changes

Inflation Reduction Act: A Double-Edged Sword for Medicare Beneficiaries: The Biden administration’s recent announcement of the first Medicare drug price cuts, mandated by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, has dominated headlines. However, another significant impact of this law—substantial premium hikes for some Medicare beneficiaries—has largely been overlooked. The Inflation Reduction Act represents the most sweeping […]
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Value-Based Care: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities in Revenue Cycle Management

Value-Based Care: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities in Revenue Cycle Management

RCM and Value-Based Care Challenges and Opportunities: Healthcare is a dynamic field constantly evolving to improve patient and staff experiences. As the industry transforms, it’s crucial to understand both the potential benefits and drawbacks of these changes. One area experiencing significant evolution is Revenue Cycle Management (RCM). The shift towards value-based care models is a […]
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Reimbursement-methodology

Understanding Medical Codes and Reimbursement Methodologies

The Role of Medical Codes in Reimbursement Methodologies: Medical codes, such as CPT, HCPCS, and ICD-10 (CM and PCS), are essential components of various reimbursement methodologies. The Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS), used by Medicare fee-for-service, categorizes patient stays into Medicare Severity Diagnosis Related Groups (MS-DRGs) based on ICD-10 codes processed through a computerized system. […]
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Medicare Physician Fee Schedule 2025: Urology Practice Impact

urology practices: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) unveiled its proposed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for 2025 on July 10, 2024. This outlines potential payment adjustments and policy changes that would take effect starting January 1, 2025. A public comment period will follow, during which CMS will gather feedback to inform the final […]
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