Monday, April 7, 2014
Upcoming Accountable Care Collaborative Stakeholder Meetings
The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing is seeking stakeholder input and feedback on the future of the Accountable Care Collaborative (ACC).
Through a series of stakeholder meetings, the Department, in collaboration with the Colorado Health Institute (CHI), seeks to collect client, provider, and stakeholder input on the next phase of the ACC strategic plan. Additionally, the stakeholder meetings will inform the Department’s development of the next Request for Proposals (RFP) process for the Regional Care Collaborative Organizations (RCCO).
All stakeholder meetings are open to the public. For more information click here or visit Colorado.gov/HCPF/ACC then click on ACC Updates and News in the left navigation bar.
If you have questions about the upcoming stakeholder meetings or RFP process, please contact RCCORFP@state.co.us.
Transportation Survey
Transportation Survey-
Rural Advocacy Groups Look for Solutions
A good, strong transportation system is needed in Colorado and is essential to statewide economic prosperity. CLUB 20, Action 22 and Progressive 15 members recognize the challenges in maintaining state highways as funding sources decline.
The three organizations have been working with the Metro Mayors, CDOT and other statewide stakeholders to identify options for a state-wide funding approach that is sensible for Colorado in addressing the growing maintenance and capacity concerns related to the state highway system.
In an effort to collect information regarding this issue from members and rural communities, Action 22, CLUB 20, and Progressive 15, have joined forces to conduct a survey regarding transportation in each of their perspective regions. The survey can be found at the link below and will be open until midnight on April 15th. The groups are requesting that members share the survey with their networks to get a broad sense of how declining roads throughout Colorado can be better maintained.
The transportation funding formula is also under consideration by the Transportation Commission and modifications may be enacted. The current distribution formula is based on vehicle miles traveled, lane miles and truck miles. New formula considerations include a potential reduction in vehicle miles traveled and lane miles in favor of a population based component, negatively impacting funding in rural Colorado. As rural Colorado has the greatest number of lane miles, those roads could fall into further disrepair. State highways are Colorado assets and, as such, Colorado has an obligation to maintain them throughout the state. State highway funding has been declining in Colorado for a number of years, resulting in 52% of the state's highways declining to "poor" condition. Modifications to the state funding formula will further jeopardize rural roads and economies.
The link to the survey is:
If others would like the opportunity to share information regarding potential transportation solutions not reflected in the survey, please contact Action 22, CLUB 20 or Progressive 15
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Medicare Part B News-Jurisdiction H for April 3rd, 2014
The following information is brought to you by Novitas Solutions.
Medicare News
President Obama Signs the Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014
On April 1, 2014, President Obama signed into law the Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014. This new law prevents a scheduled payment reduction for physicians and other practitioners who treat Medicare patients from taking effect on April 1, 2014. This new law maintains the 0.5 percent update for such services that applied from January 1, 2014 through March 31, 2014 for the period April 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014. It also provides a zero percent update to the 2015 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) through March 31, 2015. More information can be found here.
MLN Connects Provider eNews for April 3, 2014
Please take note of the articles included in the Claims, Pricers and Codes section of this edition:
New Medicare Insights Weekly Podcasts Now Available
In this week's Medicare Insights Weekly podcast we cover submitting medical records by disc and the addition of Telehealth services to the Reference Manual. We also introduce you to the Novitas Educational Tips and Tools. This is a program you can't miss. Podcast information and subscription can be found here.
Part B Webinar Handout: "Part B Medicare Updates-2014 Second Quarter"
Medicare News
President Obama Signs the Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014
On April 1, 2014, President Obama signed into law the Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014. This new law prevents a scheduled payment reduction for physicians and other practitioners who treat Medicare patients from taking effect on April 1, 2014. This new law maintains the 0.5 percent update for such services that applied from January 1, 2014 through March 31, 2014 for the period April 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014. It also provides a zero percent update to the 2015 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) through March 31, 2015. More information can be found here.
MLN Connects Provider eNews for April 3, 2014
Please take note of the articles included in the Claims, Pricers and Codes section of this edition:
- Appeals for Cancelled Claims Related to Medicare Beneficiaries Classified as “Unlawfully Present" in the U.S.
- Mandatory Payment Reduction of 2% Continues through March 31, 2015, for the Medicare FFS Program — “Sequestration”
- Adjustment of Community Mental Health Center Claims for Telehealth Originating Facility Fees
- Incorrect Overpayments and Denials for Some New Patient Visit Claims
New Medicare Insights Weekly Podcasts Now Available
In this week's Medicare Insights Weekly podcast we cover submitting medical records by disc and the addition of Telehealth services to the Reference Manual. We also introduce you to the Novitas Educational Tips and Tools. This is a program you can't miss. Podcast information and subscription can be found here.
Part B Webinar Handout: "Part B Medicare Updates-2014 Second Quarter"
April 3, 2014 (10:00am-11:00am ET, 9:00am-10:30am CT)
Attention! Attention! You must register for the 2014 Second Quarter Medicare Updates now! This session will provide a clear understanding of the changes in Medicare and assist you with staying compliant with new Medicare guidelines. We will provide you with educational information and resources that will both explain the Comprehensive Error Rate Testing (CERT) Program and provide tips on preventing common errors. You will learn to identify and promote the use of self service options as well as preventive services. You do not want to miss this informative event!
The JH Part B Top Inquiries Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) December 2013-Febuary 2014
The JH Part B Top Inquiries Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) have been updated. Please visit our FAQs for the answers to your questions.
Attention! Attention! You must register for the 2014 Second Quarter Medicare Updates now! This session will provide a clear understanding of the changes in Medicare and assist you with staying compliant with new Medicare guidelines. We will provide you with educational information and resources that will both explain the Comprehensive Error Rate Testing (CERT) Program and provide tips on preventing common errors. You will learn to identify and promote the use of self service options as well as preventive services. You do not want to miss this informative event!
The JH Part B Top Inquiries Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) December 2013-Febuary 2014
The JH Part B Top Inquiries Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) have been updated. Please visit our FAQs for the answers to your questions.
Medicare Part A News-Jurisdiction H for April 2nd, 2014
The following information is brought to you by Novitas Solutions.
Medicare News
President Obama Signs the Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014
On April 1, 2014, President Obama signed into law the Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014. This new law prevents a scheduled payment reduction for physicians and other practitioners who treat Medicare patients from taking effect on April 1, 2014. This new law maintains the 0.5 percent update for such services that applied from January 1, 2014 through March 31, 2014 for the period April 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014. It also provides a zero percent update to the 2015 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) through March 31, 2015. Further information can be found here.
MLN Connects Provider eNews for April 3, 2014
Please take note of the articles included in the Claims, Pricers and Codes section of this edition:
New Medicare Insights Weekly Podcasts Now Available
In this week's Medicare Insights Weekly podcast we cover submitting medical records by disc and the addition of Telehealth services to the Reference Manual. We also introduce you to the Novitas Educational Tips and Tools. This is a program you can't miss. Podcast information and subscription can be found here.
Credit Balance Reports for quarter ending 03/31/2014 are due 04/30/2014
There is a new number in which to fax your zero balance certifications. The new fax number is 410-891-5230. Faxes that come through under the old fax number (410-891-5550) will only be routed for a short time so please begin using the new number as soon as possible. Fore information located here.
Medicare News
President Obama Signs the Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014
On April 1, 2014, President Obama signed into law the Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014. This new law prevents a scheduled payment reduction for physicians and other practitioners who treat Medicare patients from taking effect on April 1, 2014. This new law maintains the 0.5 percent update for such services that applied from January 1, 2014 through March 31, 2014 for the period April 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014. It also provides a zero percent update to the 2015 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) through March 31, 2015. Further information can be found here.
MLN Connects Provider eNews for April 3, 2014
Please take note of the articles included in the Claims, Pricers and Codes section of this edition:
- Appeals for Cancelled Claims Related to Medicare Beneficiaries Classified as “Unlawfully Present" in the U.S.
- Mandatory Payment Reduction of 2% Continues through March 31, 2015, for the Medicare FFS Program — “Sequestration”
- Adjustment of Community Mental Health Center Claims for Telehealth Originating Facility Fees
- Incorrect Overpayments and Denials for Some New Patient Visit Claims
New Medicare Insights Weekly Podcasts Now Available
In this week's Medicare Insights Weekly podcast we cover submitting medical records by disc and the addition of Telehealth services to the Reference Manual. We also introduce you to the Novitas Educational Tips and Tools. This is a program you can't miss. Podcast information and subscription can be found here.
Credit Balance Reports for quarter ending 03/31/2014 are due 04/30/2014
There is a new number in which to fax your zero balance certifications. The new fax number is 410-891-5230. Faxes that come through under the old fax number (410-891-5550) will only be routed for a short time so please begin using the new number as soon as possible. Fore information located here.
CMS Updates to Coverage
Medicare Evidence Development & Coverage Advisory Committee (MEDCAC) Meetings
4/30/2014 - Lung Cancer Screening with Low Dose Computed Tomography
Posted revised questions to panel:
http://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/medcac-meeting-details.aspx?MEDCACId=68
Medicare Approved Facilities/Trials/Registries
Carotid Artery Stenting
Added new facility:
http://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Medicare-General-Information/MedicareApprovedFacilitie/Carotid-Artery-Stenting-Facilities.html
4/30/2014 - Lung Cancer Screening with Low Dose Computed Tomography
Posted revised questions to panel:
http://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/medcac-meeting-details.aspx?MEDCACId=68
Medicare Approved Facilities/Trials/Registries
Carotid Artery Stenting
Added new facility:
http://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Medicare-General-Information/MedicareApprovedFacilitie/Carotid-Artery-Stenting-Facilities.html
Important Payment Adjustment Information for Medicare Eligible Professionals
Eligible professionals participating in the Medicare EHR Incentive Program may be subject to payment adjustments beginning on January 1, 2015. CMS will determine the payment adjustment based on meaningful use data submitted prior to the 2015 calendar year. Eligible professionals must demonstrate meaningful use prior to 2015 to avoid payment adjustments.
Determine how your EHR Incentive Program participation start year will affect the 2015 payment adjustments:
If you began in 2011 or 2012…
If you first demonstrated meaningful use in 2011 or 2012, you must demonstrate meaningful use for a full year in 2013 to avoid the payment adjustment in 2015.
If you began in 2013…
If you first demonstrated meaningful use last year, you needed to demonstrate meaningful use for a 90-day reporting period to avoid the payment adjustment in 2015.
If you plan to begin in 2014…
If you first demonstrate meaningful use in 2014, you must demonstrate meaningful use for a 90-day reporting period in 2014 to avoid the payment adjustment in 2015. This reporting period must occur in the first 9 months of calendar year 2014, and eligible professionals must attest to meaningful use no later than October 1, 2014, to avoid the payment adjustment.
Avoiding Payment Adjustments in the Future
You must continue to demonstrate meaningful use every year to avoid payment adjustments in subsequent years.
If you are eligible to participate in both the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs, you MUST demonstrate meaningful use to avoid the payment adjustments. You may demonstrate meaningful use under either Medicare or Medicaid.
If you are only eligible to participate in the Medicaid EHR Incentive Program, you are not subject to these payment adjustments.
Helpful Resources
For more information on payment adjustments, view the Payment Adjustments and Hardship Exceptions Tipsheet for eligible professionals.
Want more information about the EHR Incentive Programs?
Make sure to visit the EHR Incentive Programs website for the latest news and updates on the EHR Incentive Programs.
Determine how your EHR Incentive Program participation start year will affect the 2015 payment adjustments:
If you began in 2011 or 2012…
If you first demonstrated meaningful use in 2011 or 2012, you must demonstrate meaningful use for a full year in 2013 to avoid the payment adjustment in 2015.
If you began in 2013…
If you first demonstrated meaningful use last year, you needed to demonstrate meaningful use for a 90-day reporting period to avoid the payment adjustment in 2015.
If you plan to begin in 2014…
If you first demonstrate meaningful use in 2014, you must demonstrate meaningful use for a 90-day reporting period in 2014 to avoid the payment adjustment in 2015. This reporting period must occur in the first 9 months of calendar year 2014, and eligible professionals must attest to meaningful use no later than October 1, 2014, to avoid the payment adjustment.
Avoiding Payment Adjustments in the Future
You must continue to demonstrate meaningful use every year to avoid payment adjustments in subsequent years.
If you are eligible to participate in both the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs, you MUST demonstrate meaningful use to avoid the payment adjustments. You may demonstrate meaningful use under either Medicare or Medicaid.
If you are only eligible to participate in the Medicaid EHR Incentive Program, you are not subject to these payment adjustments.
Helpful Resources
For more information on payment adjustments, view the Payment Adjustments and Hardship Exceptions Tipsheet for eligible professionals.
Want more information about the EHR Incentive Programs?
Make sure to visit the EHR Incentive Programs website for the latest news and updates on the EHR Incentive Programs.
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