This week's note from the instructor takes a closer look at certain IPPS proposals, including one that could change the method CMS uses to update MS-DRG payment rates.
Q: Is a covered entity permitted to disclose PHI for litigation purposes? For example, if a covered entity is being sued for malpractice, can it present information that would qualify as PHI during the trial? If so, what are the limits on the type of information it can disclose?
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will reimburse hospitals at Medicare rates for treating uninsured novel coronavirus (COVID-19) patients, Alex Azar, secretary of HHS, announced on April 3. The funding will be part of the $100 billion allocated to healthcare providers as part of the CARES Act.
Medicare now covers acupuncture for chronic lower back pain, effective for claims with dates of service on or after January 21, 2020, according to a recently published National Coverage Determination.
Q: At times, case managers with nursing backgrounds are being asked to fill in and assume patient care roles during the COVID-19 pandemic. What should case managers do if they do not feel comfortable they can succeed in the roles they've been assigned?
