CMS is proposing changes and a three year extension to the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement Model (CJR), which provides a flat set of payments to hospitals for an episode of care through 90 days past patient discharge. The program was due to expire at the end of this year. The agency also wants to include outpatient […]
The American Hospital Association has filed a lawsuit to block the rule. On Nov. 15, 2019, the Trump Administration proposed a new healthcare price transparency rule that would basically require hospitals to explain how much a medical service would cost before a patient receives treatment. This rule is due to become effective in January 2021. The […]
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule that would update Medicare Advantage plan (MA, or Part C) and the Medicare prescription drug benefit (Part D) program. In years past, CMS has also issued a “call letter,” not subject to the regulatory process, to provide additional information for plans to use […]
In November 2019, CMS published the 2020 Quality Payment Program Final Rule (the “2020 MIPS Final Rule Changes”). Below is a summary of some of the most notable changes to the Merit-Based Incentive Payment Program (MIPS). For a complete list of changes, please review the 2020 MIPS Final Rule or CMS’ Quality Payment Program Resource […]
President Trump’s proposed FY 2021 budget includes hospital reimbursement cuts, including more site-neutral payments, as well as a unified post-acute care payment system. President Trump’s proposed budget for the 2021 fiscal year (FY) is stirring up controversy over massive cuts to Medicare and Medicaid spending and proposals to implement work requirements and block grants in Medicaid. But […]
Case study proves the need for physicians to be members of the CDI team. Having a strong denials management team is critical for facilities. If providers do not leverage proper resources to generate strong appeal letters, the third-party payers will uphold their decisions to remove or change diagnosis or procedure codes. This usually will lead […]
Revenue cycle management encompasses everything related to the order-to-cash process. For success in revenue cycle management, constant and vigilant oversight of the key processes is needed. With that oversight, continuous process improvement can help you maximize profitability. Here are some areas to focus on to improve receivable collections. Check Your Front End No matter how […]
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a concept that has moved very quickly from the realm of science fiction into real and practical utility in a number of different industries—including healthcare. One of the most effective applications for AI-powered tools is in the field of revenue cycle management. Sophisticated AI technologies can sift through vast amounts of […]
Emergency departments are under intense pressure to do more with less, and drilling down into clinical and operational data can provide opportunities to offset decreasing revenues Many emergency providers are starting to find themselves caught within a perfect storm, with pressure from reduced reimbursements building steadily across all payer types. Medicare payments for emergency care have effectively […]
With an election year just about upon us, there are a number of changes coming from the current administration that are going to impact healthcare in 2020. Changes in allowable benefits, home health, hospice carve-ins, and new CPT codes for remote home monitoring are just a sample of these. There are an additional set of fundamental […]