Q: HRSA says that COVID-19 diagnoses must be in the primary/principal diagnosis field for hospitals to be reimbursed for treatment of uninsured patients, but this violates the coding guidance we’ve received from CMS and Coding Clinic. How should we handle such claims?
COVID-19 was officially classified as a global pandemic on March 11 by the World Health Organization (WHO). The rate of fatality varies by age group, with the elderly being more at risk. The statistical projections by the Society of Critical Care Medicine anticipate that approximately 4.8 million people will be hospitalized for COVID-19 in the United States. Some mathematical models predict that this new virus will infect over half the U.S. population.
This week's note from the instructor examines new regulatory relief for hospitals regarding outpatient services and telehealth originating site services provided to patients at alternate locations, including their homes.
Q: If a patient is incapacitated, the Privacy Rule allows for a doctor to discuss the patient’s condition with a family member, according to HHS. What would the protocol be when the patient is divorced, but the ex-husband or ex-wife makes an inquiry about the patient’s status?
