News

CMS on April 14 released a ruling that nearly doubles Medicare Part B payment for rapid-result COVID-19 laboratory tests from about $51 per test to $100 per test. The payment increase applies to tests performed on or after March 18 and remains in effect until the end of the public health emergency.

Q: Do National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits apply to all claims or do they only apply to Medicare claims?

Q: How would you report an E/M visit for a new patient who was exposed to COVID-19 and sent to a diagnostic testing site?

Q: HHS recently issued a notice that fee limitations will apply only to an individual’s request for access to their own records and not to an individual’s request to transmit records to a third party. Will limitations imposed by state law now apply?

Q: Our facility sees a lot of patients dealing with diabetes and diabetic complications. Do you have any advice for helping these patients during their stay or after discharge?

CMS updated its novel coronavirus (COVID-19) billing and coding FAQs on April 9 to address new information on payment for specimen collection, diagnostic laboratory services, and hospital services including temporary expansion sites.

In a 26-page document published on April 9, CMS outlined dozens of blanket waivers that are retroactively effective March 1. The entire utilization review (UR) condition of participation will be waived, according to CMS.

CMS released updated infection control guidance on April 8 for healthcare facilities aimed at preventing the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), including new instructions for dialysis facilities on isolating and protecting patients with end-stage renal disease.

Q: Do the requirements in the National Uniform Billing Committee (NUBC) Manual apply to all payers?

Q: What are the HIPAA protections for psychotherapy notes, and how do these differ from other forms of protected health information?