This week’s Medicare updates include the July 2017 update to the Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment System; the Spring 2017 Semiannual Report to Congress; a new Targeted Probe and Educate Pilot; and more!
Even the best security can be circumvented by an insider or a cutting-edge cyberattack but an organization doesn’t have to weather the cost alone. Cyber insurance can help cover a variety of breach expenses, and some policies even provide pre-breach services and tools designed to bring an organization’s security to the next level.
CMS has changed its selection process for medical records for short-stay reviews under the 2-midnight rule. This could be problematic for some organizations, says Ronald Hirsch, MD, FACP, CHCQM, vice president at R1 Physician Advisory Services in Chicago.
When CMS introduced Hierarchical Condition Categories (HCC) with risk-adjusted scores, Ochsner Health System began efforts to educate providers and improve documentation across its many facilities.
There is an extensive list of coverage requirements that must be met to furnish outpatient services to Medicare beneficiaries. Hospitals may find that certain coverage requirements for therapeutic and diagnostic service are more difficult to meet than others, especially in off-campus provider-based departments.
Ochsner Clinic Foundation began its ambulatory clinical documentation excellence journey in 2004, when Medicare implemented its Hierarchical Condition Categories (HCC). Since HCCs affect patients’ Risk Adjustment Factor scores, and ultimately reimbursement for the care required to treat sicker patients, Ochsner needed to determine the best way to ensure annual HCC capture for all patients across its vast system.
