Search Results for * -- AAFP

Practices gain a second chance to review 2017 QPP results -- FPM

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is giving practices additional time to review 2017 Quality Payment Program performance data before making it available for public view.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/2017_performance_data_review.html

Time to check your 2019 MIPS eligibility status -- FPM

If you are unclear whether the Merit-based Incentive Payment System applies to you in 2019, use this tool to check your eligibility.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/2019_MIPS_eligibility.html

Save time, start preparing for 2018 MIPS reporting -- FPM

The 2018 Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) reporting period is approaching fast. Here's how to be ready to submit your information when it comes.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/2018_MIPS_reporting.html

Family physician pay goes up, satisfaction with pay goes down -- FPM

An annual survey of physician compensation shows a healthy gain for physicians. How do you compare?

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/2019_compensation.html

Time to choose your Medicare status for 2020 -- FPM

Physicians have until Dec. 31 to decide how they plan to participate in Medicare in 2020.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/2020_Medicare_status.html

Will Medicare give you a pay bump next year? Check your MIPS score -- FPM

Physicians and practices can now access their 2019 Merit-based Incentive Payment System feedback and final score through the Quality Payment Program website.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/2019_mips_scores.html

Important MIPS deadlines approaching -- FPM

Here are some important dates and deadlines to keep in mind as you wrap up the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) 2020 performance year.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/2020_mips_deadlines.html

Final rule on the 2019 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule delays major changes to E/M ...

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services finalized its much anticipated Final Rule for the 2019 Physician Fee Schedule, which includes simplifications to E/M coding and documentation but delays other major changes.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/2019_physician_fee_schedule_final_rule.html

Medicare finalizes physician fee schedule and Quality Payment Program for 2020 -- FPM

Highlights from the 2020 Medicare physician fee schedule include new codes for chronic care management and principal care management.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/2020_physician_fee_schedule.html

COVID-19: New ICD-10 codes for the new year -- FPM

The new codes will change prior CDC guidelines for reporting certain encounters.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/2021_covid_codes.html

ICD-10 annual update: what family physicians need to know -- FPM

The ICD-10-CM diagnosis code annual update will take effect Oct. 1, which means it’s time to prepare your practice.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/2021_diagnosis_codes.html

2019 qualifying APM participant data now available -- FPM

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has updated its online database to help physicians participating in alternative payment models to determine if they have to participate in the Merit-based Incentive Payment System this year.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/2019_qualifying_APM_participant.html

2021 Medicare physician fee schedule has good news for family medicine -- FPM

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services finalized simplified rules for billing and coding E/M visits and increased values for several codes.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/2021_fee_schedule.html

CMS proposes simpler Medicare documentation guidelines in 2019 fee schedule -- FPM

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is looking to use its annual update of the Medicare physician fee schedule to address long-simmering complaints with how the program requires physicians and other clinicians to document evaluation and management visits.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/2019_proposed_fee_schedule.html

The top Medicare changes to know for 2020 -- FPM

The annual Medicare update includes changes to documentation requirements, coding and payment.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/2020_Medicare_update.html

What you need to know about MIPS eligibility for 2021 -- FPM

As you wrap up the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) 2020 performance year, here are some important things to remember about MIPS eligibility for performance year 2021.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/2021_mips_eligibility.html

Haven't received your AAPM bonus? There's still time to fix your billing info -- FPM

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has extended the deadline to Dec. 13. Check this public notice to find out if you need to verify your info.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/aapm_bonus_extension.html

Medicare releases proposed rule on 2020 physician fee schedule -- FPM

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has released its proposed physician fee schedule for 2020. Here are some of the highlights affecting family physicians.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/2020_physician_payment_fee_schedule.html

CMS suspends advance payment program -- FPM

Early on in the COVID-19 public health emergency, CMS is expanded the program for all Medicare providers throughout the country. The agency now says that other funding is available to those on the front lines of the coronavirus response.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/advance_payments_halted.html

Anthem rescinds modifier 25 cuts -- FPM

Last week, Anthem, one of the nation's largest commercial health plans, notified the American Medical Association it has decided to not proceed with a policy to reduce payments by 25 percent for evaluation and management codes appropriately reported with CPT modifier 25.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/anthem_rescinds_modifier_25_cuts.html

Anthem plans to shorten timely filing limit for claims -- FPM

Anthem is notifying practices that they may have less time to timely file patient claims.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/anthem_timely_filing_window.html

An easier way to report data for QPP has arrived -- FPM

Physicians participating in the Quality Payment Program can now submit all of their MIPS data through a single platform. Here's how.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/an_easier_way_to_report_for_qpp.html

Incentive payments coming soon for APM qualifying participants -- FPM

For clinicians participating in an advanced alternative payment model, 2019 incentive payments from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services could be headed your way soon.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/apm_incentive_payment.html

Are you getting paid for non-face-to-face prolonged care? -- FPM

CMS in January created a set of CPT codes that allows physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners to bill for non-face-to-face prolonged care of patients.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/are_you_getting_paid_for_non-face-to-face_prolonged.html

CMS delays enforcement of Appropriate Use Criteria program -- FPM

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently announced an extension of the education and testing period for its Appropriate Use Criteria program through calendar year 2021.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/auc_delayed.html

CMS testing diagnostic imaging referrals program in preparation for mandate -- FPM

The Appropriate Use Criteria program will require an extra step before ordering advanced imaging starting in 2021, unless it's repealed.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/AUC_test_phase.html

Wanted: Bank information to pay APM bonuses -- FPM

The federal government has posted a list of clinicians it owes bonus money. Here's how to find out if you're on it, and how to claim your cash if you are.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/APM_banking_info.html

Avoid mistakes when coding for preventive medicine services -- FPM

Selecting the appropriate code will hopefully facilitate payment for preventive services and reduce some unpleasant questions from patients.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/avoiding_mistakes_preventive_coding.html

How to know when to bill for both preventive and added services -- FPM

When a patient brings an additional complaint to a preventive visit, here's how to know whether it qualifies as a separate service and get paid for your work.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/billing_for_preventive_and_added_services.html

More is not always better for diagnosis coding -- FPM

Some physicians question whether they should report diagnoses beyond those addressed at a patient visit to ensure the best possible HCC score (and thus the best possible risk adjustment).

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/better_diagnosis_coding.html

Chronic care management coding updates for 2020 -- FPM

Chronic care management has been hampered by reimbursements that don't match costs and complex rules for care plans. Some relief is coming this year.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/ccm_changes_2020.html

Cigna to stop paying for consultation codes -- FPM

Cigna is set to stop paying CPT codes for consultations provided to their customers. Here's how to avoid losing that revenue.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/cigna_stops_paying_consultation_codes.html

Cigna institutes new reimbursement policy for virtual care -- FPM

Cigna, one of the country’s largest private health insurers, has implemented a new virtual care reimbursement policy as of Jan. 1. The policy builds on billing and coding flexibilities spurred by COVID-19.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/cigna_virtual_reimbursement.html

New resource for those with questions about new Medicare card -- FPM

New Medicare identification cards for beneficiaries are in the works. Here's what CMS is doing to prepare.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/CMS_appoint_Medicare_card_provider_ombudsman.html

CMS extends preview period for Physician Compare -- FPM

Technical problems have forced the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to extend the deadline for physicians wanting to review the information about them and their practices that the agency plans to be release publicly through the Physician Compare website.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/CMS_extends_preview_period_for_Physician_Compare.html

CMS Primary Care Initiative provides new payment models -- FPM

The Primary Care Initiative announced by CMS will give family physicians new payment streams aimed at increasing value-based care.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/CMS_Primary_Care_Initiative.html

CMS releases final rule on 2019 Medicare physician fee schedule -- FPM

On Nov. 1, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released the final rule of the 2019 Medicare physician fee schedule. Here are the highlights.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/CMS_releases_final_rule_2019.html

New details as we get closer to CMS replacing current Medicare cards -- FPM

As I announced in June, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services plans to issue new Medicare identification cards that no longer carry Social Security numbers as a way to prevent fraud and fight identity theft. Last week, CMS unveiled the new cards.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/CMS_replacing_Medicare_cards.html

CMS updates MIPS final scores, extends review deadline -- FPM

The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services has released updated final scores for the 2017 Merit-based Incentive Payment System performance period.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/CMS_updates_MIPS_final_scores.html

Coding for wound care: Is your EHR leading you astray? -- FPM

Remember these tips for properly coding three common types of wounds.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/coding_wound_care.html

How to properly code for a pre-op examination -- FPM

Family physicians are often asked to preform pre-surgical evaluations for patients undergoing procedures. This requires selecting the correct codes.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/coding_preop_exams.html

Compensation is up for family physicians -- FPM

Family physicians saw their annual compensation increase an average of 5 percent over last year, reflecting an industrywide rise in physician pay.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/Compensation_is_up_for_family_physicians.html

New reports look at family medicine office visit billing -- FPM

Here's what to do with that Medicare comparative billing report you may have received analyzing how you bill family medicine office visits.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/comparative_billing_reports.html

Coding for the new coronavirus and COVID-19 illness -- FPM

There is no specific diagnosis code in the U.S. yet for COVID-19. Here's what to use instead.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/coronavirus_diagnosis_coding.html

Coronavirus (COVID-19): new telehealth rules and procedure codes for testing -- FPM

CMS has loosened restrictions on telehealth reimbursement for areas where the spread of the new coronavirus has been deemed an emergency.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/coronavirus_testing_telehealth.html

Six things to know about the CARES Act provider relief fund payments -- FPM

The federal government recently started doling out an initial $30 billion in COVID-19 aid payments to Medicare fee-for-service providers. Here's what physicians should know about them.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/COVID19_relief_payments.html

What coding modifiers to use for Medicare telehealth services and COVID-19 testing -- FPM

Recent regulatory changes affect how you should code for telehealth services and COVID-19 testing when billing Medicare.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/coronavirus_modifier_coding.html

New codes for COVID-19 antibody tests -- FPM

Antibody tests could play a role in determining the true prevalence of the illness in a given area and determining who can return to normal activities as states gradually begin to lift lockdowns.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/covid_antibody_coding.html

New CPT code for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) antigen testing -- FPM

Antigen testing is designed to be quicker and simpler than other tests for the coronavirus and can be conducted at the point of care.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/covid_antigen_testing.html

How to access small business loans for COVID-19 financial relief -- FPM

Some of the loans now available offer 1% interest or even full loan forgiveness if you keep your employees on the payroll.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/covid_business_loans.html

COVID-19 vaccines coding guide -- FPM

The CPT Editorial Panel has approved unique codes for multiple COVID-19 vaccines, as well as administration codes for each dose of those vaccines.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/covid_codes_guide.html

CMS and CDC release guidance on counseling patients tested for COVID-19 -- FPM

Counseling patients about the importance of isolating, in particular, can help reduce transmission of the illness.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/covid_test_counseling.html

First COVID-19 vaccine CPT codes published -- FPM

The first COVID-19 vaccine and administration codes are for products produced by Pfizer and Moderna.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/covid_vaccine_codes.html

CMS finally specifies which service codes are subject to COVID-19 cost-sharing waiver ...

After several months, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has finally released a list of specific procedure codes that are subject to rules waiving coinsurance and deductibles for COVID-19 testing.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/covid_waiver_codes.html

CMS raises payment for COVID-19 vaccine administration -- FPM

The increase, which the American Academy of Family Physicians and other groups advocated for, reflects the additional resources and work required to safely store and administer the vaccines.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/covid_vaccine_increase.html

Three steps to improve preventive service utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic -- FPM

Patients are deferring routine office visits for chronic disease management and preventive services out of concern for their safety during COVID-19. But these visits are important, especially for patients with conditions that require close monitoring, or those who are due for ...

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/covid_preventive_services.html

When and how to count data under the revised E/M office guidelines -- FPM

When the new rules for evaluation and management office visits went into effect at the beginning of the year, they immediately caused confusion about how to count data to determine the level of medical decision making.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/data_counting_clarifications.html

CMS offers data reporting relief in response to COVID-19 -- FPM

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has extended the deadline to submit 2019 performance data for the Merit-based Incentive Payment System due to COVID-19.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/data_reporting_relief.html

Deadline to submit data for 2017 MIPS approaches -- FPM

If you have not already done so, you have until March 31 to provide 2017 data for the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS), which could affect your Medicare payments in 2019.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/deadline_to_submit_data_for_2017_MIPS_approaches.html

New resources to ease ordering and prescribing DME under Medicare -- FPM

The DME Medicare administrative contractors are trying to help physicians and recently created some online resources to ease the ordering or prescribing of durable medical equipment for Medicare patients.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/DME_ordering_resources.html

CMS opens Direct Contracting alternative payment program applications -- FPM

The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation has opened applications for its Direct Contracting program.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/direct_contracting_portal.html

How to avoid payment denials on two common diagnostic tests -- FPM

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is advising physician practices on how to avoid billing errors for two common diagnostic tests.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/diagnostic_test_denials.html

Time to educate your patients about new Medicare cards -- FPM

CMS has published free resources to help notify your patients that the new Medicare beneficiary cards are coming.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/educating_your_patients_about_new_Medicare_cards.html

Learn more about electronic attachments for claims -- FPM

Electronic attachments can simplify and optimize revenue cycle management by reducing payment time cycles.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/electronic_attachments_webinar.html

Clarifications issued for new E/M office visit rules -- FPM

The revisions include more guidance about what counts toward the data portion of medical decision making.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/emcoding_clarifications.html

Responses to common concerns about the new E/M guidelines -- FPM

As family physicians adjust to the new CPT guidelines for office/outpatient evaluation and management services, some common themes are beginning to emerge.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/emcoding_concerns.html

Evaluation and management (E/M) coding and documentation burden could lighten in 2019 ...

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' proposed rule for the Physician Fee Schedule for 2019 contains significant revisions to the coding, documentation, and payment of office visit evaluation and management services.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/em_coding_proposed_changes.html

How the E/M code RVU increases could affect family physicians’ pay -- FPM

The relative value units (RVUs) for several key E/M codes increased on Jan. 1. Here’s how this could affect your payment rates.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/em_rvus.html

Earn MIPS credit for participating in CMS study -- FPM

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is looking for physicians to participate in a study measuring the burdens of collecting and reporting care quality data. Participants can receive credit under the Merit-based Incentive Payment System.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/earn_MIPS_credit_for_participating_in_CMS_study.html

CMS releases software fix for issue that could affect eCQM scores -- FPM

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has released updated database files to correct an issue that could impact scores for some eligible clinician electronic clinical quality measures (eCQM) for the 2020 performance period.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/eCQM_fix.html

Are you ready to provide FAA BasicMed exams to pilots? -- FPM

As of May 1, pilots of small private planes can receive medical clearance to fly through their personal physician, rather than undergoing the full FAA-sanctioned physician exam.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/faa_basicmed_exam.html

How to find a patient's new Medicare number -- FPM

Starting next month, you’ll be able to look up your Medicare patients’ new Medicare number through the secure web portal of your Medicare Administrative Contractor.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/finding_a_new_Medicare_number.html

Flu resources and payment allowances: Medicare releases updates for the 2019-2020 ...

Updated influenza vaccine payment allowances went into effect August 1.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/flu_season_updates.html

Medicare unveils influenza vaccine payment allowances for 2020-2021 flu season -- FPM

The allowances range from about $10 to about $60.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/flu_shot_allowances.html

CMS waives telehealth restrictions for FQHC and RHC physicians -- FPM

Under the new guidelines, there are no restrictions on where telehealth service is provided, meaning physicians or practitioners may provide the service from their homes.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/FQHC_covid_telehealth.html

The new Medicare G code: Everything you need to know to take advantage of it -- FPM

On Dec. 21, Congress delayed implementation of the primary care add-on code, G2211, for three years as part of the 2020 Year End Funding Bill and COVID-19 Emergency Funding, and it applied the savings to increase Medicare base payments for all services and specialties by an additional ...

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/g2211_summary.html

Medicare webinar on glucose supplies scheduled for Feb. 11 -- FPM

The webinar will include guidelines for coverage along with the information patients and suppliers need from physicians.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/glucose_supplies_webinar.html

MIPS tops list of most burdensome regulations for group practices -- FPM

A new survey of group medical practices shows that while many physicians expect they will be able to meet at least the minimum requirements of the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) this year, most see it as a huge burden that affects their ability to care for patients.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/group_practices_question_MIPS.html

New Medicare home health payment feature has implications for physician orders -- FPM

Home health changes coming to Medicare in 2020 won't affect physician payments, but could change how much information home health providers request in physician orders.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/home_health_coding.html

CMS reiterates physicians’ central role in home health planning -- FPM

The agency's guidance comes as it implements a new home health payment system called the Patient-Driven Groupings Model.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/home_health_guidance.html

How to decide whether your patient is new or established -- FPM

If coding rules followed common sense, this would be easy. You would just have to ask: Have I seen the patient before? Unfortunately, that straightforward approach does not work.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/How_to_decide_if_a_patient_is_new_or_established.html

Medicare payment for some physician services may be impacted by prior authorization -- FPM

Certain hospital outpatient department services will require prior authorization as a condition of Medicare payment beginning July 1.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/hospital_prior_auth.html

Ring in the New Year by submitting your 2018 MIPS data -- FPM

CMS has officially opened the data submission period for MIPS eligible clinicians who participated in Year 2 (2018) of the Quality Payment Program.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/How_to_submit_2018_MIPS_data.html

Use of hurricane-related ICD-10 codes is changing -- FPM

The external cause codes for hurricane-related encounters have existed since ICD-10 was adopted. The important change, beginning Oct. 1, is that the National Center for Health Statistics provided clear definition on how to apply the codes correctly.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/hurricane_codes.html

In a small group? Combine with others now to participate in MIPS -- FPM

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services says physicians in solo or small group practices have until Dec. 1 to formally notify Medicare that they are participating in a virtual group. These groups make it easier for small practices to participate fully in MIPS.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/in_a_small_group_combine_with_others_now_for_MIPS.html

A new way to earn MIPS credit in 2019 -- FPM

A new study of how physicians collect and report quality measures to Medicare is looking for participants. Successful members will get MIPS credit.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/Improvement_activity_credit.html

Is your advanced alternative payment model recognized by CMS? -- FPM

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services this month published a table displaying the APMs that it operates.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/is_your_advanced_APM_recognized_by_CMS.html

CMS finds errors in MIPS payment adjustments -- FPM

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services says it is working to fix errors in how this year's MIPS payment adjustments were applied to some physicians.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/incorrect_MIPS_payment.html

Three common reasons for level 5 E/M office visits in primary care -- FPM

To quickly identify and correctly code most level 5 office visits, keep in mind these three common reasons for level 5 work

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/level5_visits.html

Proper diagnosis coding for malignant neoplasms -- FPM

When selecting diagnosis codes for suspected, current, and personal history of malignant neoplasms, you need to follow specific rules for ICD-10.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/malignant_neoplasms.html

What to do when an MBI changes -- FPM

It's time to start using Medicare Beneficiary Identifiers, if you aren't already. But how will you know if a patient's MBI changes?

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/MBI_changes.html

New demonstration project can exempt physicians from MIPS -- FPM

Looking to avoid the reporting requirements and payment adjustments imposed by the Merit-based Incentive Payment System? A new demonstration project now taking applications may be your opportunity.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/MAQI_demonstration.html

HHS extends application deadline for Medicaid/CHIP Provider Relief Fund -- FPM

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has extended the Medicaid/CHIP Provider Relief Fund distribution provider application deadline.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/medicaid_relief_extension.html

COVID-19 spurs CMS to delay mandatory use of new noncoverage form -- FPM

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced last week it will delay a rule requiring physicians to use a new version of its Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage form.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/medicare_abn_delayed.html

Medicare to require new Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage form -- FPM

When you expect Medicare to deny payment, an Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage form is useful. A new version of the form will soon be required.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/medicare_abn_renewed.html

A rule to remember when administering COVID-19 vaccines to Medicare Advantage patients ...

When you file a COVID-19 vaccine administration claim for a Medicare Advantage patient, you have to know the patient's traditional Medicare ID number.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/medicare_advantage_covid.html

CMS: Patients can self-report vitals for Medicare AWV telehealth visits -- FPM

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently clarified that during the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) patients may self-report vital signs and other biometric data for Medicare Annual Wellness Visits (AWV) done via telehealth.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/medicare_awv_vitals.html

Medicare rolls out new cards to another group of states -- FPM

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has started mailing new Medicare cards to beneficiaries who live in Wave 5 states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/Medicare_cards_wave_5.html

How to avoid Medicare annual wellness visit denials -- FPM

Identifying whether to code for an Initial Preventive Physical Exam (aka the Welcome to Medicare visit), an Initial Medicare Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) or a Subsequent Medicare AWV can be tricky.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/medicare_awv_coding.html

States to lose ability to divert Medicaid payments -- FPM

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is eliminating a 2014 rule that allowed states to divert Medicaid payments to third parties.

Family Practice Management : Getting Paid : FPM Home

https://www.aafp.org/journals/fpm/blogs/gettingpaid/entry/Medicaid_final_rule.html