Sunday, June 20, 2010

Yes - No - Yes - No - Maybe

Medicare Fee Ordeal - Continued

As of today the Senate has passed a six (6) month patch to counter the Sustained Growth Rate formula cuts.

The House will consider the patch next week, and is likely to pass the necessary legislation.

CMS contractors will process claims from June 1 forward - someday.

Stay tuned.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

FTC Red Flags Delayed Again

The Federal Trade Commission has delayed the "red flag" identity theft rules for (most) health care providers. The rules originated in the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions (FACT) Act of 2003.

The act defines most medical providers as creditors.

The new effective date is January 1, 2011.

Stay tuned.

Medicare Reimbursement Game of Chicken

As of June 1, 2010 the SGR reimbursement cuts are in effect.

Or are the cuts really in effect?

The House acted before the Memorial break, but the Senate did not.

Many practices will hold claims for 10 days to see what happens.

This is not way to manage a health care system, and does not bode well for the future.