News & Analysis

September 1, 2016
Briefings on HIPAA

There are no federally recognized HIPAA certification standards for covered entities (CE) and business associates (BA) and it's unlikely one will be. However, that doesn't stop larger CEs from requiring some form of certification to demonstrate compliance with HIPAA and proof that BAs have implemented sound information security programs. The Health Information Trust Alliance (HITRUST) published its first common security framework (CSF) in March 2009 with the goal of focusing on information security as a core pillar of the broad adoption of health information systems and exchanges. Larger CEs, primarily large health plans, now require their BAs to become HITRUST certified.

September 1, 2016
Briefings on APCs

CMS wants your thoughts on its 2017 OPPS proposed changes. In various places in the proposed rule, CMS specifically asks providers to comment on the proposals. You may submit comments to the agency until September 6, 2016.

September 1, 2016
HIM Briefings

The accurate capture of acute respiratory failure has been a long-standing challenge for CDI programs. The accurate reporting of this condition as a post-procedural event can be even more difficult.

September 1, 2016
Briefings on APCs

While the 2017 OPPS proposed rule includes a variety of tweaks and augmentations to existing regulations, its biggest impact is likely to come from its proposal to implement Section 603 provisions of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 regarding off-campus, provider-based departments (PBD) and move toward more site-neutral payment policies.

September 1, 2016
Briefings on APCs

 CMS proposes aligning its conditional packaging logic with how it applies packaging to labs, while also proposing to delete the much-maligned modifier -L1 for separately payable laboratory tests in 2017.

September 1, 2016
Briefings on APCs

CMS’ proposed changes to implement Section 603 of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 would reshape payments for off-campus, provider-based departments (PBD) if finalized and represent the most significant changes in the calendar year (CY) 2017 OPPS proposed rule. 

Pages