Vital Lines Alert: Nov. 10, 2009
Major Medicare Changes Could Affect You
Watch Your Mail for Notice from Highmark Medicare Services
Watch your mail for an important notice from Highmark Medicare Services (HMS), or you could be targeted for revalidation. Physicians who receive a revalidation letter have 60 calendar days to respond or their billing privileges will be revoked and they will be barred from re-enrolling in Medicare for one year.
Hefty Consequences for Failing to Revalidate with Medicare
In a related initiative, a small percentage of physicians and other providers will be asked directly to revalidate their enrollment information with Highmark Medicare Services (HMS).
DMEPOS Changes Could Affect Patient Access
Medicare is phasing in new requirements for physicians who order or refer patients for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS), and it could spell trouble for patients who rely on lifesaving DMEPOS like oxygen and nebulizers.
Red Flags Rule Pushed Back Again
The "red flags" identity theft rule has gotten another last-minute delay. On Oct. 30, 2009, the deadline to comply with the rule was pushed back from Nov. 1 to June 1, 2010 to allow for more time for education.
Last Updated: 11/10/2009