The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released a new provider compliance fact sheet concerning laboratory medical billing. The fact sheet noted that a HHS report revealed “laboratory tests – other” (e.g., urine drug screening, medication assays, genetic tests, tissues examination, blood tests) had an improper payment rate of 39 percent, with a […]
Medical Billing Outsourcing on the Rise: 5 Contributing Factors
A new report by Grand View Research examines the growth of medical billing outsourcing. Grand View projects the outsourcing market to grow by more than 150% from 2015 to 2024. Here are five of the factors that will contribute to the significant growth, according to Grand View: Current systems in practice for managing revenue are […]
New CPT Code Issued for Influenza Billing
The American Medical Association has issued a new Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code for influenza vaccine Flucelvax. The code — CPT 90674 — went into effect on August 1, 2016, for Medicare claims. However, as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services states, Medicare claims processing systems will not be able to accept the new […]
CMS Issues Reminder About Reporting Medicare Enrollment Changes
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a reminder to Medicare-enrolled providers concerning reporting changes in enrollment information. Failure to comply with the requirements to report changes in Medicare enrollment information could result in the revocation of Medicare billing privileges. All physicians, non-physician practitioners (e.g., physician assistants, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, […]
Clinical Diagnostic Lab Tests Payment System Final Rule: FAQs from CMS
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has published 45 frequently asked questions (FAQs) and CMS responses about the Medicare Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory Tests (CDLTs) payment system final rule. CMS announced on June 17 the release of the final rule, which implemented section 216(a) of the Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014 (PAMA). […]
Happy Medical Biller’s Day!
Governors from multiple states (including Alabama and Virginia) have declared March 31 to be Medical Biller’s Day for 2016. A portion of the proclamation from Alabama reads as follows: “WHEREAS, Medical Billers provide a much needed service to doctors and other healthcare providers and provide a vital segment of the health care industry; and “WHEREAS, […]
CMS Publishes Series of Chiropractic Billing Resources
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has published three new MLN Matters special edition articles for chiropractors and other practitioners who submit claims to Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) for chiropractic services provided to Medicare beneficiaries. MLN Matters SE1601 is titled “Medicare Coverage for Chiropractic Services – Medical Record Documentation Requirements for Initial and […]
CMS Reviews Qualifiers for ICD-10 Diagnosis Codes on Electronic Claims
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a reminder about how healthcare providers should use qualifiers for ICD-10 diagnosis codes submitted on electronic claims. CMS notes that when you submit electronic claims for services, remember the following: Claims with ICD-10 diagnosis codes must use ICD-10 qualifiers; all claims for services on or […]
CMS Publishes Final Rule on Self-Identified Medicare Overpayments
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has published a final rule on reporting and returning self-identified Medicare overpayments. The rule is specifically for Medicare parts A and B healthcare providers and suppliers. A separate final rule was published in May 2014 that addressed Medicare Parts C and D overpayments. The major provisions for […]
Improve Your Coding in 2016: 5 Tools to Use
Proper medical coding is critical for many reasons. They include receiving proper payment for services rendered, limiting denials and maintaining compliance with payor rules. Throughout 2015, PGM Billing launched a number of practice management tools that help ensure proper coding. These tools are free to access and use, and can be shared with coworkers and […]