Author Archive
CMS issues IPPS correction
On October 7, CMS issued a correction in the Federal Register to its previously issued IPPS final rule for 2010.
OCR publishes HIPAA proposed rule in Federal Register
On October 7, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) published in the Federal Register a proposed rule that would strengthen privacy protections for genetic information, as required by the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008. The OCR had previously issued the proposal in display copy.
The next Hospital & Hospital Quality Open Door Forum (HODF) is scheduled for Thursday, October 8, at 2 p.m. Eastern. To participate, dial 800/837-1935 and reference conference ID 22148926.
Transcripts and audio of the HODF call will be available to MedicareFind users approximately one week after the call.
CMS issues annual flu vaccine payment allowance update
On October 2, CMS issued a transmittal to update the payment allowances for the influenza vaccine for the 2009-2010 season.
Effective date: September 1, 2009
Implementation date: November 2, 2009
CMS issues instructions on implementation of new RAC mass adjustment process
On October 2, CMS issued a transmittal to implement a new file-based RAC mass adjustment process in the VMS.
Effective date: April 5, 2010
Implementation date: April 5, 2010
CMS modifies RAC mass adjustment process in FISS
On October 2, CMS issued a transmittal to correct a problem with the file-based RAC mass adjustment process in FISS.
Effective date: April 5, 2010
Implementation date: Phase I will include analysis/design and will be completed by January 4, 2010; actual coding/testing will occur in Phase II with an implementation date of April 5, 2010.
OCR proposes modifications to HIPAA privacy rule
On October 1, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued a display copy of proposals to modify the HIPAA privacy rule. The proposed rule would strengthen privacy protections for genetic information, as required by the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008.
CMS issues IRF PPS correction
On October 1, CMS issued a correction in the Federal Register to its previously issued inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) PPS final rule for 2010.
Editor’s note: Judith Kares, JD, CPC, regulatory specialist for HCPro, Inc., is the author of this week’s note from the instructor.
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the Department of Health and Human Services has just released its Work Plan for FY 2010. A number of significant issues relating to hospital services covered under Parts A and B are targeted for review.
OIG issues Work Plan
On October 1, the OIG issued its Work Plan for FY 2010.
Editor’s note: Debbie Mackaman, RHIA, CHCO, regulatory specialist for HCPro, Inc., is the author of this week’s note from the instructor.
After CMS issued Transmittal 1803, we have continued to receive questions on the correct way to bill for outpatient services when Condition Code 44 criteria have been met. The next chapter of the story involves determining if and when observation begins.
Click over to the MedicareMentor Blog to read more.
CMS rescinds, replaces LCD exception transmittal
On September 25, CMS replaced its previous transmittal on LCD exceptions. It had previously sent out the incorrect version of section 3.12. All other material remains the same.
Effective date: October 13, 2009
Implementation date: October 13, 2009


