Q&A: Patient notification requirements during COVID-19

Q: Case managers are often responsible for explaining notices to patients. I’m wondering how the process has changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic?

A: Case managers were hopeful that CMS would lift patient notification requirements entirely, but that has not happened to this point.

Thankfully, though, some changes have been implemented.

Case managers (as well as other employees) can explain the notices to patients over the phone. This way, patients and staff members are protected from unnecessary contact. While notices still need to be physically delivered to the patient, follow-up information and questions can be handled without in-person communication.

Editor’s Note: This question was originally addressed in the May issue of Case Management Monthly.