Modifier -22 indicates that the procedural work performed by the provider or surgeon was substantially greater than what is typically required. The application of this modifier allows providers to receive additional reimbursement for a procedural service that was especially challenging, time-consuming, or unusual.
CMS issued a waiver on March 13 designed to help hospitals and other healthcare facilities better respond to the surge in demand placed on them by the COVID-19 pandemic. The waiver allows CMS to bypass traditional rules, including Conditions of Participation when necessary, and aims to help organizations move patients through levels of care more quickly to free up needed hospital beds for critically ill COVID-19 patients.
CMS released a new interim final rule with comment period that grants organizations another round of flexibilities to meet the challenges of the COVID-19 public health emergency, including permitting hospitals to bill for telehealth services and loosening restrictions on COVID-19 testing.
This week's note from the instructor looks at the timing of the prior authorization program implementation in light of the current COVID-19 public health emergency.
Q: Do you know if offices have any tablets or computers people can use in which they might log into an account? If so, are there rules governing password retention or auto logouts they need to consider?
Coders can raise the flag for the risk management department by signaling unexpected patient care occurrences, such as a nicked organ during surgery. Use this sample occurrence report form as a template for your organization.
