Health and Human Services (HHS) renews the public health emergency (PHE)
Politico reported that HHS has decided to extend the PHE. This is good news for healthcare providers. The coronavirus has started to increase again in several states. Healthcare providers were concerned that the health emergency would continue without the numerous...
Summary Overview Merit-Based Incentive Payment System 2018, 2019 and 2020 Performance Years
CMS released details on July 7 about the second-year performance results of the Quality Payment Program's (QPP) Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS), which determined payment adjustments for clinicians in 2020. Here are five notes on MIPS scores and payment adjustments...
Advocate for Telehealth Flexibilities
HIMMSS recently reported that on June 29, 2020, 340 organizations signed a letter urging Congress to make telehealth flexibilities created during the COVID-19 pandemic, permanent. Those signing the letter include national and regional organizations representing a range of healthcare stakeholders in all...
Prepare for HIPAA Compliance for Telehealth Services
As practices start to reopen and continue to use telehealth services, they must be aware of HIPAA compliance issues. The Office of Civil Rights (OCR) will start to consider reintroducing HIPAA regulations regarding telehealth services. Part B News has provided...
Hospital Closings – COVID-19 Impact
The financial impact on hospitals due to treating COVID-19 patients has been substantial. Recent reports by Becker’s Hospital Review, the American Hospital Association and Moody’s suggest there has been a material negative impact on hospitals’ cash flow. From reimbursement landscape...
Workers Rights When Returning to Work
NJ. Com recently wrote an article reviewing the New Jersey Department of Labor’s (NJDOL) guidelines and rules for workers returning to work. This is an area of discussion for our clients prior to reopening physician practices and now as they...
COVID-19 Cybersecurity Threats
It has come to our attention that IT security issues are a major concern as clinicians and staff continue to work remotely. Many employees outside of the normal work environment are susceptible to browsing suspicious internet sites and/or phishing attacks....
Feedback about Reopening Physician Practices
Physician practices found themselves forced by necessity and government orders to shut down or dramatically limit their in-person care, rely heavily on telehealth, experience large financial losses and scramble for diminishing stocks of personal protective equipment (PPE). Based on feedback...
CARES Act Provider Relief Fund
Healthcare organizations are in a challenging time financially. The reduction of patient visits and the elimination of elective surgeries has resulted in a material reduction of revenue. The Provider Relief Fund has been established as part of the CARES Act...