This final rule updates the payment rates used under the prospective payment system for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) for fiscal year (FY) 2014. In addition, it revises and rebases the SNF market basket, revises and updates the labor related share, and makes certain technical and conforming revisions in the regulations text. This final rule also […]
This final rule implements Medicaid payment for primary care services furnished by certain physicians in calendar years (CYs) 2013 and 2014 at rates not less than the Medicare rates in effect in those CYs or, if greater, the payment rates that would be applicable in those CYs using the CY 2009 Medicare physician fee schedule […]
CMS finalized the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) rule on November 1, 2012, updating Medicare payment policies and rates for hospital outpatient and ASC services beginning January 1, 2013. The final OPPS/ASC rule with comment period affects hospital outpatient departments in more than 4,000 hospitals, including general acute […]
Under the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, doctors, health care professionals and hospitals can qualify for Medicare and Medicaid incentive payments when they adopt and meaningfully use certified electronic health record (EHR) technology. More than 120,000 eligible health care professionals and more than 3,300 hospitals have qualified to participate in […]
New opportunities that will allow people to more easily receive care and services in their communities rather than being admitted to a hospital or nursing home were announced by HHS, who also finalized the Community First Choice rule, which is a new state plan option under Medicaid, and announced the participants in the Independence At […]
CMS announced a final rule today to prevent fraud in Medicare, which is estimated to save taxpayers nearly $1.6 billion over 10 years. This rule ensures that only qualified, identifiable providers and suppliers can order or certify certain medical services, equipment and supplies for people with Medicare. The rule also helps ensure beneficiaries receive quality […]
This final rule implements a provision of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA) which prohibits recouping Medicare overpayments from a provider or supplier that seeks a reconsideration from a Qualified Independent Contractor (QIC). This provision changes how interest is to be paid to a provider or supplier whose overpayment is […]