News
Healthcare EHRs at a Crossroads: Innovate or risk being left behind?
The healthcare technology landscape is constantly evolving, and a crucial question emerges: are established EHR systems, like EPIC, at risk…
Q4 2024 Medical Review Denial Trends in Hospice Care
Palmetto GBA has also released the latest data for Q4 2024 on the most common hospice claim denial codes. These…
Q4 2024 Medical Review Denial Trends in Home Health
Palmetto GBA has published its quarterly summary of the top denial reason codes for home health agencies (HHAs) for Q4…
HIPAA Rule Changes Set to Reshape Compliance Landscape in 2025
As 2025 unfolds, significant updates to HIPAA regulations are on the horizon, with sweeping changes aimed at increasing patient access…
URGENT: New Regulation Requiring Notice of Medicare Non-Coverage to Include BFCC-QIO Information
A new regulation has been released regarding Medicare Advantage plans. If you are providing home health services to a patient enrolled…
New CMS Interpretation on Face-to-Face Encounters Creates Challenges for Providers
Healthcare providers have been facing significant challenges with PCR (Pre-Claim Review) requests in recent months, following a new directive from…
Termination of the Hospice Benefit Component of the VBID Model
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced that the Hospice Benefit Component of the Value-Based Insurance Design…
2025 Medicare Part B Premiums and Deductibles: Key Updates for Providers
CMS has announced the updated Medicare Part B premiums and deductibles for 2025. These changes, which reflect adjustments for rising…
CMS Finalizes the 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule
CMS has released the Calendar Year (CY) 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) Final Rule, outlining key updates to payment…
Preparing for the Redesigned Novitasphere Portal: A 2025 Upgrade
Novitasphere, a vital online portal for Medicare providers, is undergoing a significant redesign to improve user experience in 2025 and…
Preparing for OASIS Section GG Public Reporting in 2025: Essential for Home Health Quality and Payment Outcomes
The upcoming public reporting of the OASIS Section GG items, particularly GG 0130 and GG 0170, will impact home health agencies’ quality scores starting January 1, 2025. Ensure your team understands the reporting requirements for the Discharge Function Score, Home Health Quality Reporting Program (HH QRP), and Home Health Value-Based Purchasing (HHVBP) program.
Rising Medicare Advantage Prior Authorization Denial Rates Impact Home Health
A recent analysis shows a steady increase in prior authorization denials for Medicare Advantage (MA) beneficiaries, creating challenges for home health agencies. With denial rates on the rise, agencies must stay informed about MA payer guidelines to prevent delays in care.
Understanding and Addressing Medicare Error Code 17729 Denials in Hospice Care
Several hospice agencies have reported erroneous claim denials under Medicare error code 17729. This issue is affecting claims related to…
Home Health EVV Update/Reminder
Home health agencies are reminded of the policy concerning Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) Home Phone Landline Requirements. Compliance with these…
Hospice Agency New Requirement
Effective June 3, 2024, a critical update will be implemented for hospice agencies regarding the enrollment status of certifying physicians.…
Home Health April 2024 IPR Available
The Final April 2024 Interim Performance Reports (IPRs) for home health agencies (HHAs) are now accessible through the Internet Quality…
Coding Updates for 2024
The world of medical billing and coding is undergoing significant changes in 2024, impacting healthcare providers, coders, and patients alike.…
The Evolution of Medicare in 2024: Navigating New Rules and Regulations
The landscape of Medicare, particularly concerning Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D programs, has undergone significant changes with the finalization…
Navigating the Paperwork Maze: The Impact of Insurance Policies on Healthcare Delivery
Cigna’s modifier 25 policy has sparked widespread concern among the American Medical Association (AMA) and over 100 other healthcare organizations.…
Navigating the Transition to Electronic Visit Verification (EVV)
Discover the future of home health care compliance and efficiency through the latest advancements in Electronic Visit Verification (EVV). As the 21st Century Cures Act’s deadline approaches, read how state-of-the-art EVV solutions are here to ensure your agency meets the requirements seamlessly. Dive into the details of EVV readiness for your state and embrace the transition with confidence.
Essential Telehealth Reporting Changes for Home Health Agencies
Reminder: As of July 2023, Home Health Agencies must adopt new G-codes for telehealth services. This crucial update mandates detailed reporting for synchronous telemedicine, audio-only consultations, and remote patient monitoring. Ensure your agency is prepared for these changes to maintain compliance and optimize billing processes.
Updated Billing Guidelines for Disposable Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Devices in Home Health Care: Effective January 2024
Starting January 1, 2024, Home Health Agencies (HHAs) must follow new billing procedures for disposable Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) devices. These will now be billed and paid separately under the period of care claims, Type of Bill 032x. It’s crucial for billing staff to note the application of deductibles and coinsurance, as well as the necessary coding changes. Stay updated to ensure compliance and efficient billing processes.
Telehealth's Challenge: Ensuring Completion of Medical Tests and Referrals
In an era where telehealth is becoming increasingly prevalent, a recent article from Physician’s Weekly titled “Rates of Loop Closure…
Innovative Healthcare: Embracing Hospitals in the Home
The concept of ‘Hospital at Home’ is revolutionizing the healthcare industry. This model, as discussed in a compelling article from…