CMS released the 2017 OPPS proposed rule on July 5 without much fanfare. On July 14, the Federal Register version was posted, and upon initial review, it seems rather short at 186 pages.
Click here for more sample CPC practice exam questions with Full Rationale Answers
Click here for more sample CPC practice exam questions and answers with full rationale
CPC Practice Exam and Study Guide Package
What makes a good CPC Practice Exam? Questions and Answers with Full Rationale
Laureen shows you her proprietary “Bubbling and Highlighting Technique”
Download your Free copy of my "Medical Coding From Home Ebook" at the top right corner of this page 2018 CPC Practice Exam Answer Key 150 Questions With Full Rationale (HCPCS, ICD-9-CM, ICD-10, CPT Codes) Click here for more sample CPC practice exam questions with Full Rationale Answers Click here for more sample CPC practice exam questions and answers with full rationaleTag Archives: comments
Healthcare News: CMS invites comments on 2-midnight rule payment calculation
A recent court ruling determined that CMS had to explain its calculation for a negative 0.2% reduction in inpatient payment rates as a result of implementing the 2-midnight rule. The court also said that providers should have an opportunity to comment on the calculation.
In early December, CMS released a notice with comment period to meet the court’s requirement, but providers might not be pleased with forcing the agency’s hand. CMS notes that when originally estimating the number of outpatient cases that should shift to inpatient as a result of the rule, it looked at 2011 claims containing HCPCS codes G0378 (hospital observation service, per hour) and G0379 (direct admission of patient for hospital observation care).
Using this data, CMS identified approximately 350,000 observation stays that lasted two or more midnights. The agency combined that with approximately 50,000 claims that contained major procedures based on APCs that resulted in stays lasting more than two midnights. CMS also analyzed data from the inpatient side by looking at inpatient claims containing surgical MS-DRGs with stays that lasted less than two midnights and found approximately 360,000.
The agency used this data to determine a net increase of 40,000 inpatient discharges as a result of the rule to calculate $ 220 million in increased expenditures on the inpatient side, leading to the reduction.
However, CMS now says that in light of new regulations and by using different metrics to estimate the shift, as many as 570,000 cases could move to the inpatient side, resulting in an even larger payment shift.
Providers can comment on the notice at regulations.gov and all submissions must be received by February 2, 2016.
Submit comments on IMPACT Act quality measures by May 3, 2018
MedPAC comments on CMS’s proposed rule on Medicare Part C and Part D
CAPG Comments on 2018 QPP Proposed Rule
In an Aug. 7 webinar (CAPG MACRA Comments Webinar), CAPG responds to the 2018 Quality Payment Program (QPP) proposed rule and provisions for which the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking feedback. CAPG consists of 300 risk-bearing physician groups with members in 44 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. CAPG’s mission is […]
AAPC Knowledge Center
Tips for sending CMS comments
CMS wants your thoughts on its 2017 OPPS proposed changes. In various places in the proposed rule, CMS specifically asks providers to comment on the proposals. You may submit comments to the agency until September 6, 2016.