In the OPPS proposed rule, CMS had proposed to do away with the device to procedure and procedure to device edits. While this may seem like a provider friendly change, in fact, these edits have ensured that all costs, including the costs of all devices used, are billed by providers. This in turn ensures they are taken into account in rate setting, because CMS uses providers’ billed charges as a proxy for cost in setting future rates. Click the link above for more information and an in-depth analysis.
CMS issues certain quarterly updates relating to hospital outpatient services.These updates are primarily issued in the form of two recurring update notification transmittals (RUN).The first of these is a quarterly update to the IOCE Specifications. The second is a quarterly update to the Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS). Because the most significant outpatient hospital changes become effective as of the beginning of each calendar year, the January updates are particularly important.Click the link above for more information and an in-depth analysis.
Q. Is an authorization required when releasing HIV testing results/information via a health information exchange? If not, what other state/federal regulation may govern sensitive information related to HIV test results or treatment?
Although the 2014 inpatient prospective payment system final rule didn't bring too many changes to the process of discharge planning, you can and should be using the discharge plan to meet some of the updated documentation requirements.
When Shallie J. Bryant, CHC, CHPC, went to work at CaroMont Health in North Carolina more than two years ago, her biggest challenge was creating a culture of patient privacy.
