Online resource packed with regulatory news and expert guidance, tips & tools pertinent to professionals across the post-acute care continuum.
In the midst of the COVID-19 public health emergency and the height of flu season, it is important to ensure patients in home health and hospice care are up to date on their influenza and pneumonia vaccines. A post on a Celerian Group Company (CGS)’s website reminds providers: Home health agencies can provide the influenza […]
An issue with RAP processing under the new no-pay RAP policies has led to some RAPs being returned to agencies, but Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) have determined a workaround, according to a message from CGS to providers last week. While its optional for you to report a Core-Based Statistical Area (CBSA) code using value code […]
CMS will expand the Home Health Value-Based Purchasing (HHVBP) Model, officials announced January 8, 2021. Currently implemented in nine states, the model has saved Medicare an average of $141 million annually, with an average improvement in quality scores of 4/6%, according to a news release. The HHVBP Model adjusts payments to agencies based on quality […]
CMS is revising the COVID-19 focused infection control (FIC) survey tool for acute and continuing care to help ensure an effective assessment of a provider’s or supplier’s implementation of the appropriate infection prevention standards, according to a memo released December 30. In agreement with QSO-20-35-All (dated August 17, 2020) related to the revised survey prioritization, […]
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has offered guidance for states on how to prioritize vaccination, but it is up to local health officials to make final determinations on priorities and timelines for vaccine rollout. Louisiana started Monday vaccinating individuals 70 and older, as well as home health services patients and staff, according […]
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently began releasing new hospital COVID-19 data at the facility level. The data shows weekly impacts from COVID-19 on ICU and bed capacity. When announcing the new datasets last month, HHS noted that it should help local and regional collaborations. Home health industry leaders have noted that […]
CMS’ Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation has an opportunity for Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) to participate in the Global and Professional Options of the Direct Contracting Model. The model seeks to encourage “Medicaid MCOs to partner with providers and suppliers and implement care coordination programs that can improve quality and reduce Medicare fee-for-service […]
Beginning Jan. 1, home health agencies that wish to provide and bill Medicare Home Infusion Therapy (HIT) professional services for calendar year 2021, will be required to enroll with the Part B Medicare Administrative Contractor (A/B MAC) in their state. Home health agencies will no longer be able to bill professional HIT services on the […]
The Food and Drug Administration has issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine for persons 18 and older. Meanwhile, a federal advisory committee voted Sunday to put seniors 75 and older among those next in line to get vaccinated. Unlike the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine approved Dec. 11, which required specialty freezers, the Moderna […]
On December 3, 2020, U.S. Transcend Strategy Group fielded a survey asking if the COVID-19 vaccine would impact people’s willingness to receive care. Of the 599 respondents, 65% said a health care provider’s vaccine status will influence whether they seek care. More than a third, 35%, said a vaccinated caregiver will significantly impact their decision […]