CMS refined and updated its Comprehensive APC policy in the 2015 OPPS proposed rule released July 3, adding a new complexity adjustment factor. CMS also proposes significantly expanding the packaging of ancillary services. Additionally, the proposed rule includes a significant change to requirements related to inpatient physician certification.
The July quarterly I/OCE update from CMS brought few new APCs or edit updates, but did deliver new modifier -L1. Hospitals will use the new modifier to submit outpatient laboratory tests paid under the Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule (CLFS) in certain circumstances to claim separate payment.
Hospital outpatient therapeutic services, such as ED or clinic visits, that are paid under the OPPS or to critical access hospitals (CAH) on a cost basis must be furnished "incident to" a physician's service to be covered.
CMS made relatively few changes in the April quarterly I/OCE update, introducing four new APCs, deleting one, and reclassifying several skin substitute codes.
Our experts answer questions on port reassessment, laparoscopies, reporting multiple biopsies, rejected drug claims, post-reduction film, nipple revisions, and more.
The number of patients using Medicare Advantage (MA) is rapidly growing, making Hierarchical Condition Categories (HCCs) an increasingly important concept for revenue cycle staff to understand in order to guarantee reimbursement.
