Academy News
Coverage Information
CMS has released its January 2015 edition of the Medicare Quarterly Provider Compliance Newsletter, which addresses the most common billing errors during the previous quarter, based on MAC, CERT, RA and OIG reports. This edition has a section on Facet Joint Injections reviewed by the Medicare Recovery Auditors (RAs), using the Local Coverage Determination (LCD) issued by First Coast Service Options. In addition to describing the types of errors they are finding, it also contains links to additional resources such as an article describing the proper use of modifier 50 and add-on CPT codes for Facet Joint Injections. You can access the newsletter here.
Electronic Health Record Incentive Program/Meaningful Use Deadline February 28!
If you are an eligible professional participating in the Medicare EHR Incentive Program, you have until February 28, 2015 to attest to demonstrating meaningful use of the data collected during your EHR reporting period for the 2014 calendar year. If you are participating in the Medicaid EHR Incentive Program, please refer to your state’s deadlines for attestation information.
The CMS Attestation System is open and fully operational, and includes the 2014 Certified EHR Technology (CEHRT) Flexibility Rule options. Medicare eligible professionals can attest any time to 2014 data until 11:59 pm (ET) on February 28, 2015.
If you are eligible to participate in both the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs, you MUST demonstrate meaningful use to avoid the payment adjustments. You may demonstrate meaningful use under either Medicare or Medicaid.
Updated Meaningful Use Information Regarding Menu Objectives
CMS has released updated guidance on how eligible professionals should select menu objectives for the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Programs. For more information, read the updated FAQ. For additional resources, please visit the EHR website.
Heads Up Campaign: Research Funding Opportunity
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released the campaign,Research to Evaluate the CDC Heads Up Concussion Initiative in Youth Sports. This campaign is a series of educational initiatives that all share a common goal: help protect children and adolescents from concussions and other serious brain injuries and their potentially devastating effects.
For more details about this grant opportunity, visit CDC’s website. Applications will be accepted until March 5, 2015.
2015 PQRS Payment Adjustment and Providers who Rendered Services at RHCs/FQHCs
CMS has received questions from Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) who received PQRS negative payment adjustment letters for services furnished during the 2013 calendar year. According to the CMS, an Eligible Professional who works at a RHC or FQHC and also works at anon-RHC/FQHCwhich is under the same TINmay have been subject to the 2015 PQRS payment adjustment if s/he did not report quality data under PQRS in 2013.
If you believe that the 2015 PQRS payment adjustment is being applied in error, you can submit an informal review request. All informal review requests must be submitted via a web-based tool, the Quality Reporting Communication Support Page, during the informal review period, January 1, 2015-February 28, 2015.
For additional questions, please contact the QualityNet Help Desk at (866) 288-8912 (TTY (877) 715-6222) or via qnetsupport@hcqis.org. They are available from 7 am-7 pm (CT) Monday-Friday.
FDA Approves Label Change of NUEDEXTA®for PBA in All Neurologic Conditions
In July of 2014, the Health Policy and Legislative (HP&L) Committee of AAPM&R submitted a letter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). HP&L specifically expressed concerns that NUEDEXTA® was being restricted to treat PseudoBulbar Affect (PBA) only in patients suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or multiple sclerosis (MS). The previous labeling created coverage and reimbursement issues for PM&R physicians treating patients suffering from PBA because of other appropriate indications.
As of January 20, the FDA has approved updated prescribing information for NUEDEXTA®. The updated label includes a revised Indications and Usage statement that more clearly and accurately reflects the approved use of NUEDEXTA®for the treatment of PBA in all neurologic conditions. Your Academy continues to work to ensure that the patients you serve have access to the appropriate care they may need.
Early Bird Registration for ISPRM Ends February 15
The 9thWorld Congress of the International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (ISPRM) will be held in Berlin, June 19-23, 2015. Register by February 15 to receive the early bird discounted rate. Learn More.
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| CMS is looking for providers, vendors, clearinghouses, health plans and others to share ICD-10 success stories and milestone achievements with the health care community. CMS wants to hear how you are preparing your organization for the transition. If you are interested in sharing your ICD-10 best practices, send CMS your story. The January 2015 Prospective Payment System (PPS) provider data is now available on the Provider Specific Data for Public Use in Text Format and the Provider Specific Data for Public Use in SAS Format webpages in the “Downloads” section. MLN Matters® Special Edition Article #SE1311, “Opting out of Medicare and/or Electing to Order and Certify Items and Services to Medicare Beneficiaries” was revised and is now available in a downloadable format. This article is designed to provide education on the necessity to file an affidavit with Medicare to opt-out of Medicare. |
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