CMS just released the 2020 final rule with changes to remote patient monitoring (RPM), officially titled “Chronic Care Remote Physiologic Monitoring,” reimbursed under the Medicare program, as part of the Physician Fee Schedule changes. The changes, proposed earlier this year, have been hotly-anticipated by digital health companies hoping to see more clarity and flexibility for RPM services. CMS […]        
        
    
            Hospital and health system executives should monitor these proposals for provisions that will affect their organizations’ operations. The 2020 annual rule cycle has been active for CMS. Several proposals in the outpatient prospective payment system (OPPS) proposed rule is controversial, although there is at least one provider-friendly change. Here’s a roundup of five regulatory rules […]        
        
    
            As per new update in medical coding, their will again some new ICD 10 codes in FY 2020. Also, their will some deletion and revision of ICD 10 codes. Their are around 273 new codes, 21 deleted codes, and 30 code title revisions for Year 2020. The new changes are as per the Proposed Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) […]        
        
    
            How many times has a provider asked you, “What do I need to document to get a 99215?” All too often, medical coders feel they should help their providers understand what elements of documentation are needed to warrant the higher level evaluation and management (E/M) service. Do not do it! If It Isn’t Documented, It […]        
        
    
            Confusion persists for the coding of vaping. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently investigating vaping-related illnesses that have recently been reported. There are 450 confirmed or suspected cases in 33 states. The first death was reported on Aug. 23, 2019, in Illinois. The concern has escalated to the point that the […]        
        
    
            Hospitals assuming downside financial risk under value-based care models is the key to lowering healthcare costs and improving quality, CMS believes. CMS Administrator Seema Verma urged hospitals on Tuesday to accept new value-based care models and price transparency requirements or face greater administrative burden, less competition, and lower reimbursement rates under Medicare for All. “Our choices are […]        
        
    
            Medical coders, billers, auditors, and other healthcare business professionals started Day 2 of AAPC’s Regional Conference in New York City getting the scoop on the proposed changes to evaluation and management (E/M) services coding and E/M guidelines. E/M Guidelines Changes Are About Time Conference attendees were eager to hear Raemarie Jimenez, CPC, CDEO, CIC, CPB, CPMA, […]        
        
    
            CMS has provided ICD-10-PCS updates for fiscal year 2020 that include 2,056 deletions. Here are 20 of the deleted codes: 0370046 – Dilation of right internal mammary artery, bifurcation, with drug-eluting intraluminal device, open approach 0372046 – Dilation of innominate artery, bifurcation, with drug-eluting intraluminal device, open approach 0374056 – Dilation of left subclavian artery, bifurcation, with […]        
        
    
            Discover the must-watch list for coding bug bites, poison ivy, and heatstroke! Get ICD-10 pointers. Can you believe it’s already mid-August? While the buzz around 2020 code updates is in the air, let’s not forget about the remaining summer of 2019. How many of these common warm-weather diagnoses have you encountered and coded this year […]        
        
    
            An overview of the proposed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule: The proposed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) rule for 2020 was officially released on Aug. 14, 2019, encompassing various elements. Among these are proposals such as adjusting the PFS conversion factor to $36.09, introducing new HCPCS codes for bundled episode-of-care treatment for opioid use disorders, revising […]        
        
    









