This week’s Medicare updates include the release of the 2017 Inpatient Pricer; a decision memo for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy; a delay of effective date for the Conditions of Participation for home health agencies; and more!
Employing a comprehensive disease management program for hospital patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can significantly reduce hospital admissions and length of stay (LOS), according to a study published in the International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. A comprehensive disease management program should include education, case management, and follow-up.
Just before the MOON requirement became effective March 8, CMS added another hoop to jump through in an open door forum held February 28.The discussion in that forum forced many organizations to change course at the last minute as CMS announced it would not allow pre-populated check boxes in the free-text field of the MOON designated for describing clinical reasons for the service the patient receives. Organizations that had listened to experts touting the value of adding check boxes with specific rationale to the MOON were forced to revamp the form shortly before implementation.
