While the 2018 OPPS final rule may be controversial for its payment cuts to drugs purchased through the 340B drug discount program, it contains several provisions supported by hospitals and other stakeholders.
Despite opposition from many stakeholders, a bipartisan contingent of Congress, and CMS’ own advisory panel, the agency is moving forward with its plan to drastically cut payments for drugs acquired through the 340B drug discount program, according to the 2018 OPPS final rule, released November 1.
CMS now offers an elearning opportunity on the Quality Payment Program (QPP) through the MLN Learning Management System. This course is the fifth in a growing curriculum on the QPP and will offer 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits.
CMS announced certain public health emergency policies have been enacted in California to assist those affected by the recent wildfires across the state.
In a rare bipartisan effort from Congress, 228 members of the House of Representatives urged CMS to abandon a proposal from the 2018 OPPS proposed rule which would drastically cut payments for hospitals participating in the 340B drug discount program.
In a series of press releases, CMS announced certain public health emergency policies are in effect for the parts of Texas, Louisiana, and Florida hit by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.
Two bundled payment programs could be canceled before they begin, and the scope of a third will be significantly limited if a proposed rule released by CMS August 17 is finalized.
In a move that has been anticipated for a few years, CMS issued a proposal in the 2018 OPPS proposed rule to expand packaging policies to include low-level drug administration services.
CMS wants your thoughts on its 2018 OPPS proposed changes. In various places in the proposed rule, CMS specifically asks providers to comment on the proposals. You may submit comments to the agency until September 11, 2017.
CMS released the fiscal year (FY) 2018 IPPS final rule August 2, updating Medicare payment and polices for patients discharged from hospitals from October 1, 2017, to September 30, 2018.
