COVID-19 Medicare billing rules continue to evolve, so it can be challenging to stay abreast of the developments. Some recent changes have given case managers and hospitals more flexibility when it comes to treating both COVID-19 and non-COVID patients, as medical practices increasingly look to resume providing elective surgeries and other procedures.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been stressful for everyone, but medical professionals who are working directly with sick patients—and in turn putting themselves and potentially their families at risk—face unique levels of trauma.
The COVID-19 pandemic will have a significant effect on both health systems and patients. As we continue to understand its clinical, psychosocial, and economic consequences, especially the magnitude of the financial losses to hospitals, the development of new and innovative ways to connect with and support patients is a silver lining.
Irene, an expert medical case manager, is worried about her mother, Sadie, who is 87 years old with severe cardiovascular disease and mild-to-moderate dementia. Sadie lives in an assisted living facility. Clearly, she belongs to the group identified as being the most vulnerable to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
End-of-life care has been evolving in recent years, with a new emphasis on the importance of ethics and encouraging patient involvement in decision-making.
