2021 has arrived, which means so have changes to the code set. The American Medical Association reported that overall there are 328 editorial changes, including 206 new codes, 54 deletions, and 69 revisions. The AMA has also stated that these changes include the “first major overhaul of office visit and outpatient E/M coding” since the […]
COVID-19 UPDATES – January Bulletin
After almost a full year of battling the Coronavirus Pandemic with masks, lockdowns and social distancing, a new headline is making news: The virus that causes COVID-19 has changed, making it more contagious. Health experts report that at least one new “super strain” of the virus is already in the U.S. and another highly […]
COVID-19 UPDATE
It’s finally here! The first COVID-19 vaccinations were given this week after nine long months of enduring the world-wide pandemic. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government, through Operation Warp Speed, has been working on one or more vaccinations. Healthcare workers and long-term care facility staff and patients were the first […]
December Blog – Changes Coming to Medicare in 2021
There are several changes coming to Medicare benefits for 2021: Every year, a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is announced. In 2020, benefits increased by 1.6% and for 2021, benefits will increase by 1.3%. This will result in an average increase of about $20 per month. The Medicare cost increases for 2021 are as follows The standard […]
December 2020 – Coronavirus News
As COVID-19 cases continue to surge, it’s more important than ever to stay up to date on Coronavirus news. In mid-November, reported cases of COVID-19 in the United States surpassed 12 million. With the holiday season upon us, experts fear an even bigger surge. Though the flu and COVID-19 are two completely different viruses, the […]
It’s Flu Season – What you need to know!
It’s Flu Season! The 2020 – 2021 flu season is here and with COVID-19 still circulating, it’s more important than ever to get a flu vaccine. Since both the flu and COVID-19 have some similar symptoms, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all persons 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine. […]
November Bulletin – UnitedHealthcare’s COVID-19 Response – Update
UnitedHealthcare’s COVID-19 Response – Update Telehealth Throughout the public health emergency (currently set to end on January 20, 2021), UHC is extending the cost share waiver for COVID-19 in-network telehealth services. UHC will also waive cost share for COVID-19 treatment until December 31, 2020. For out-of-network services, the cost share for COVID-19 testing […]
THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION RELEASES NEW CPT CODES SURROUNDING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Over the last several months, the COVID-19 Pandemic has changed the course of the medical industry and The American Medical Association has approved new CPT codes for use during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Two new Category I CPT Codes were announced on September 8, 2020 for immediate use to meet the rapidly changing needs […]
First Enforcement Action for Improper Marketing of SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Tests (JUNE 25, 2020)
After initially allowing producers of serologic SARS-CoV-2 antibodies tests free access to the market, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is now cracking down on unproven and inaccurate tests. No More Mr. Nice Guy The turning point came in early May when, in response to heavy criticism and a scathing Congressional investigational report, the […]
UnitedHealthcare Extends National Public Health Emergency Temporary Program Changes
UnitedHealthcare recognizes that the persistence of COVID-19 cases across the country continues to have an impact on the healthcare system – both for COVID-19-related care as well as for regular preventive visits. To provide ongoing support to members and providers, UnitedHealthcare is extending many of the COVID-19 temporary program, process and coverage changes through Oct. […]