Q. We acquired a home health agency and now employ home health nurses, physical therapists, speech therapists, etc. Can we permit workforce members to use their personal cell phones to communicate with patients? Is there a HIPAA-compliant means of doing so for calls, email, and text messages?
Case managers in today’s healthcare world face a challenge in confronting growing opioid abuse while also managing the use of opioids in certain circumstances as an effective treatment option for acute and chronic pain.
Q: Are outpatient departments considered part of the therapy cap for hospital-owned facilities? If so, do we need to bill with modifier –KX (Type of Bill 012X)?
The majority of breached patient records in January were due to hacking and insider-related incidents, according to a report by Protenus, which analyzed the 37 health data breaches reported to the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) in January. The hacking incident which had the biggest impact occurred at Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, where an unauthorized third party gained access to the computer network, and thus access to Medicaid patient billing information.
Incorrect inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) claims led to $444,458 in overpayments at Memorial University Medical Center, a Savannah, Georgia-based hospital, according to a recent Office of Inspector General audit report. IRF billing compliance has been on the OIG’s radar for several years, and Medicare Administrative Contractors and supplemental medical review contractors have been placing these claims under increased scrutiny.
Q: We are trying to educate our coding department about medical necessity, but has CMS or Medicare defined it anywhere? How can we explain it to staff?
A recently identified form of malware affecting Android devices can copy files, saved Wi-Fi network information, and record full phone calls. The copied data is uploaded to a cloud server.
Q: Does a hospital need to obtain the patient's written consent before obtaining physician office notes? Can I contact the physician office and request the needed information without obtaining a written consent from the patient? The office notes are needed for payment purposes.
