Vital Lines: June 11, 2009
Reimbursement & Coding
Pennsylvania Physicians Facing CERT Audits
Learn more about Medicare's Comprehensive Error Rate Testing (CERT) program and find educational sessions in your area.
Six Ways ICD-10 Codes Will Affect You
The new ICD-10 codes will drastically impact physician practices, especially in six key areas.
Highmark BCBS Proposes Reimbursement Changes
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) has proposed adjusting physician reimbursement for hundreds of services.
Practice Management
FTC Delays Red Flags Rule Until Aug. 1
The "red flags" identity theft rule has been delayed until Aug. 1 to give more time to develop and implement theft prevention programs.
Workers' Compensation Updates Go Electronic
Workers' Compensation updates and announcements will only be available via email. Sign up by emailing
ra-li-bwc-helpline@state.pa.us.
Don't Delay: New HIPAA Electronic Standards Right Around the Corner
Find out what needs to be done before the new HIPAA 5010 electronic transaction standards take effect on Jan. 1, 2012. Also, get a
sneak peek at how changing to the new standards will affect you with side-by-side comparisons from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Office FAQ
Can a practice collect co-pays, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts from a patient prior to providing a service?
Yes. Unless specifically prohibited by a contractual agreement you have with a payer, any patient liability amounts may be collected prior to providing a service.
Member Resources
Disease Reporting—This publication provides guidance on what diseases must be reported and when and how to report them. Members can order their free copy through
our store.
Pennsylvania Medical Society Insurance Agency (PMSIA)—Take advantage of group health insurance rates plus an expanding line of other professional and personal insurance products. Call (800) 228-7823 or visit
www.pamedinsurance.com.
Last Updated: 8/18/2009