CMS recently issued a major update to frequently asked questions (FAQ) on COVID-19 fee-for-service billing issues. The bulk of the new FAQs concerns hospitals and the ability to invoke various waivers in order to deliver services to patients in their homes using telecommunications technologies.
Q: Many media organizations are filming outside the premises or sometimes even in the hospital. When they interview hospital leaders and health officials, this can be done with things happening in the background. How can hospitals prevent accidental disclosures—a patient’s face showing up in the background during an interview, for example? What should the rules be for media looking to film at the facility?
Q: When would it be appropriate to apply modifier -62 (two surgeons) on claims for spinal procedures performed by co-surgeons, and what effect would this have on physician reimbursement?
The COVID-19 pandemic will have a significant effect on both health systems and patients. As we continue to understand its clinical, psychosocial, and economic consequences, especially the magnitude of the financial losses to hospitals, the development of new and innovative ways to connect with and support patients is a silver lining.
This week's note from the instructor examines places where new guidance from CMS on billing for telemedicine during the public health emergency falls short and what hospitals should do to ensure compliance with these billing policies.
