HCCIntel: Practice Management

About this Article: A growing evidence base shows that home-based primary care (HBPC) improves quality of care and promotes aging in place while reducing overall healthcare costs. Being able to access and use this information to demonstrate value to payers and other stakeholders is critical for HBPC practices...

On July 30th, 2020, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that it will begin paying qualified healthcare professionals (i.e., MD, NP, PA, CNS, CNM) for counseling services provided to traditional Medicare beneficiaries when related to the administration of a COVID-19 test. Clinicians are advised...

On July 21, 2020, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a new 10-week, virtual peer-to-peer learning community entitled, HHS Telemedicine Hack. The training was developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness Response (ASPR),...

The medical necessity of a service is the overarching criterion for payment in addition to the individual requirements of a CPT  (Current Procedural Terminology) code. Documentation of medical necessity should do the following: Identify a specific medical reason or focus for the visit (e.g., worsening or new symptoms)...

Telehealth is an important clinical delivery model, especially for home-based providers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some practical implementation considerations: Practice Implementation Consider current and future COVID-related workflow needs when selecting a technology vendor Train staff by conducting mock virtual visits among team members Develop documentation templates...

Interdisciplinary team (IDT) meetings improve staff communication, encourage teamwork, and promote optimal patient care and outcomes within house call programs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, IDT meetings are especially important for maintaining team cohesiveness. Following a structured meeting agenda can help maximize IDT meeting effectiveness. In addition, brief staff huddles...

On April 30, 2020, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a second Interim Final Rule with new flexibilities and changes relevant to home-based medical care providers. The changes in this most recent Interim Final Rule are effective immediately, with many modifications retroactively effective as of...

As providers and practices continue to determine the best way to safely care for their patients while navigating the ever-changing regulatory requirements related to COVID-19, HCCI is committed to continuing to provide accurate, clarifying and timely information. “Medicare telehealth services” refer to a certain list of services that would...

As home-based primary care (HBPC) expands across the U.S., we’re reminded of how critical this model of care is, particularly during a Public Health Emergency like COVID-19.  Because of this, and more than ever, HBPC providers must keep infection surveillance, prevention, and control efforts top-of-mind to protect patients,...

In addition to changes in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Interim Final Rule discussed in our previous update, Providers and practices should be aware of the following additional information and waiver flexibilities in the rule: Home Health Agencies can now provide additional services...