Vital Lines: Dec 17, 2009
Breaking News
Blues Theft Affects More Providers Than First Thought
Initial reports indicated that only providers who use their Social Security number as their tax ID number were affected by the Blues security breach, but the scope of the breach was actually much wider.
Medicare to Eliminate Consultation Codes
Effective Jan. 1, 2010, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will eliminate the use of most existing consultation CPT and HCPCS codes for original Medicare Part B.
PECOS Enrollment Requirements Delayed Until April
If you order items or services for Medicare patients or refer them to other Medicare providers or suppliers, you will have to be enrolled in the Medicare Provider Enrollment, Chain, and Ownership System (PECOS) by April 5, 2010.
Watch Out for CME Audit Notices from the Medical Board
Several physicians have reported that auditors from the Pennsylvania Board of Medicine have found discrepancies in their Category 2 CME credits.
Practice Management
Silent PPOs and Steps to Avoid Them
Silent PPOs are a growing problem, siphoning billions each year from the health care system while often going unregulated.
Medicare Participation Deadline Pushed Back
Physicians will have until Jan. 31 to decide if they want to participate in Medicare in 2010.
Reimbursement & Coding
Medicaid Audits to Target Overpayments
Audits of Medicaid claims have started in two dozen states, including Pennsylvania.
Providers Can Fax Documentation on Part B Electronic Claims
Providers can now fax medical documentation for Medicare Part B electronic claims to Highmark Medicare Services.
Office FAQ
May I limit my participation in Medicaid to only providing services to dual eligible patients?
Yes, you can limit your practice to dual eligibles as long as you clearly post that throughout the office. The same posting rules apply if you no longer accept new Medicaid patients.
Member Resources
Medical history and consent cards—Help your patients prepare for the unexpected by offering them our medical history wallet cards, a convenient way to keep important health information within reach. Our medical consent cards also give parents a simple way to authorize emergency medical care for their children. Order both for free.
PMSLIC—Physician-owned and -directed professional liability insurance company. Call (800) 445-1212 or visit www.pmslic.com.
Last Updated: 2/4/2010