Development of new lab tests to detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 coronavirus has been faster and more prolific than anybody could dare expect for a pathogen that was unknown just a few months ago. But it still may not be enough to satisfy the urgent demand for COVID-19 testing—at least not yet. That’s the depressing conclusion of a new survey from Harvard … [Read more...] about Nearly 3 in 4 Physicians Say They Can’t Provide Easy & Rapid COVID-19 Testing
Covid-19
Employment law changing on the fly in response to COVID-19
By Mike O'Brien bio COVID-19 has ushered in a variety of new, and fast-evolving employment law changes, from the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). EMPLOYEE RETENTION TAX CREDIT: The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) includes a tax credit for employers that retain … [Read more...] about Employment law changing on the fly in response to COVID-19
Physicians can report COVID-19 clinical trial data through QPP
Improved availability of data key to driving improvement in patient care and development of innovative practices The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is encouraging clinicians who participate in the Quality Payment Program (QPP), such as physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and others, to contribute to scientific research and evidence to … [Read more...] about Physicians can report COVID-19 clinical trial data through QPP
AMA puts out telemedicine guide
The American Medical Association (AMA) has compiled a guide to help physicians get telemedicine up and running so they can safely care for patients. The telemedicine quick guide outlines the first steps to get started and lays out key considerations to implementing telemedicine and explains policy, coding and payment. Even if your practice didn’t use telemedicine before, it … [Read more...] about AMA puts out telemedicine guide
OIG Temporarily Waives Anti-Kickback Restrictions for Certain COVID-19 Physician Arrangements
As it previously did with the Stark Law, the OIG is temporarily loosening Anti-kickback Statute (AKS) restrictions to clear the way for health care arrangements during the COVID-19 emergency that would be problematic in times of normalcy. Public Health Emergency (PHE) Waiver Rules During a PHE, the OIG has discretion not to impose penalties on remuneration arrangements that … [Read more...] about OIG Temporarily Waives Anti-Kickback Restrictions for Certain COVID-19 Physician Arrangements
Public health emergency jumpstarts remote care
From video chats to relaxation of state licensing requirements, the coronavirus pandemic has accelerated the adoption of remote and virtual healthcare services. Here is an update from CMS: Medicare Telehealth Visits: Effective for services starting March 6, 2020, and for the duration of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE), Medicare will make payments for Medicare … [Read more...] about Public health emergency jumpstarts remote care
MIPS data submission deadline extended to April 30
The 2019 Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) data submission deadline has been extended by 30 days to April 30, 2020. In general, if you have already submitted MIPS data or if you submit MIPS data by April 30, 2020, you will be scored and receive a MIPS payment adjustment based on the data you submit. Many MIPS eligible clinicians have performed very well in the MIPS … [Read more...] about MIPS data submission deadline extended to April 30
CDC issues testing and claims recommendations
The CDC has recommended collecting a single upper respiratory nasopharyngeal swab for diagnosis of COVID-19, as of March 13. CPT code 87635 or HCPCS code U0002 can be reported for the non-CDC diagnostic lab test, depending on the method used. HCPCS code U0001 can be reported for the CDC diagnostic lab test. Labs, physician offices, hospitals and other settings can bill for … [Read more...] about CDC issues testing and claims recommendations
CMS to provide accelerated and advanced payments during patient surge
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, CMS will provide accelerated payments to requesting providers and advance payments to requesting suppliers, including physicians and non-physician practitioners, who submit a request to the appropriate Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) and meet the criteria: CMS intends to provide assistance first to those providers and suppliers … [Read more...] about CMS to provide accelerated and advanced payments during patient surge
Before you let your employees work remote
By Paul Edwards bio In light of growing concerns surrounding coronavirus, many businesses are wondering if they will be faced with a decision to send employees home and/or close their doors for a period of time. One popular idea to address these concerns is to offer remote work (or ‘telework’) options. If you don’t regularly have remote workers, this may not be something … [Read more...] about Before you let your employees work remote