CMS’ 2019 OPPS proposed rule continues the agency’s efforts to enforce site-neutral payments and reduce drug payments by introducing policies to reduce reimbursement for hospital outpatient clinic visits at off-campus, provider-based departments (PBD) and expanding last year’s payment reductions for drugs purchased under the 340B discount pricing program by nonexcepted PBDs.
This week’s Medicare updates include three new additions to the OIG work plan, a transmittal regarding new CLIA waived tests, an update to the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual related to acute kidney injury, and more!
CMS would use the proposed modifiers to implement a 15% payment reduction starting in 2022 for services provided in whole or in part by physical therapy assistants (PTA) and occupational therapy assistants (OTA).
CMS recently released new documentation guidance on medical review of E/M services performed by medical students. A medical student may document E/M services if the physician performs or re-performs the exam and then verifies the student’s documentation.
CMS began rolling out new cards to Medicare beneficiaries in April and recently announced that wave one of the mailing has been completed. The new cards are intended to help protect beneficiaries’ Social Security Numbers.
