HCCIntel: Training & Education

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...

HCCI is sharing this request on behalf of our colleagues Drs. Christine Ritchie and Bruce Leff and the National Home-Based Primary Care Learning Network. Dear Colleague, We are researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital and Johns Hopkins University writing to alert you to a new research study...

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...

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...

During HCCI’s recent webinar, “The Impact of COVID-19 on Home-Based Providers, Practices, and Patients we encouraged practices to reach out to their local Medicare Administrator Contractors (MAC) for specific guidance on whether home-based primary care (HBPC) providers can bill for the home and domiciliary visit CPT code...