Month: March 2022
TWO New Measures for Part C Stars
The Part C Stars Specification Overview has been updated for 2022 Dates of Service.
It includes two new measures –
- Follow-Up After Emergency Dept Visit for People with Multiple High-Risk Chronic Conditions (FMC)
- and Transition of Care (TRC).
A Better Communication Strategy Part 1
A Little Dramatic, huh?
But how would you like to increase your practice efficiency through a better communication strategy?
Tune in each Tuesday for another little blurp.
Part 1. Patient satisfaction, loyalty can affect profits
The importance of effective communications between patients and provider cannot be overstated, as 91% of patients who were unhappy with their care experience reported they wouldn’t return to the practice or recommend it to others. Retaining happy patients is more cost effective than recruiting and onboarding new patients.
In a recent survey of health executives, 83% said improving patient access using digital tools is a top strategic priority, and 43% rated improving patient satisfaction as a strategic aim.
Happy patients start with competent staff who have the right tools to communicate effectively. However, when physicians were asked to name their top challenges for 2022, they overwhelmingly chose “administrative burdens,” which include staffing issues, prior authorizations and ever-present issues with EHRs.
Healthcare routinely ranks among the top industries for job departures, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In December 2021 alone, nearly 90,000 healthcare workers left their jobs.
The continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic impact medical practices in myriad ways. Practices are still playing catch-up with patients who avoided visits during the initial pandemic shutdowns and who remain leery of in-person appointments.
Updated Forms, Reflecting MRC Term
Please feel free to upload and print any or all of these charts.
MRC Contract Term 1/1/2022
Today March 28th, POET has received an official letter terminating the Methodist Retirement Community (MRC) direct contract. Termination was effective 1/1/2022.
MRC is now utilizing BCBS of Texas
Telehealth Waivers that are tied to the PHE
~Claire Ernst J.D. Government Affairs Director MGMA
On March 15, 2022, President Biden signed the $1.5 trillion omnibus spending package into law, which extended certain telehealth flexibilities related to the PHE. The following waivers will be in effect for an additional 151 days following the conclusion of the PHE:
- Originating site and geographic location: Patients can continue to be treated via telehealth anywhere, including their homes
- Qualifying providers: Physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, and audiologists can furnish distant site telehealth services
- Audio-only services: CMS must continue covering and reimbursing these services
- Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Clinics (RHCs): FQHCs and RHCs can be distant sites and be reimbursed
As a reminder, the PHE is in effect until April 16, 2022. It is likely that it will be renewed at least one more time for 90 days.
It’s Only Money
APRIL 1, 2022
$$$
Medicare sequester begins to phase back in at 1%
$$$
POET has a new way of encryption
Sometimes stuff happens that you really didn’t plan on.
Encrypted emails from POET will look a little different.
If you have any problems opening an encrypted email from us please let us know.
Below is a screenshot of what it will look like.
UHC Prior Auth Going Paperless
UHC won’t be sending prior authorization and clinical decision letters by mail starting April 1.
This includes:
- Pre-service/prior authorization decision letters
- Inpatient review letters, including concurrent, retrospective, length of stay and level of care
- Extension for lack of clinical information letters
- Complex care management and OrthoNet letters available in Document Library
Instead, you can view them exclusively online 24/7 through either the UnitedHealthcare Provider Portal or an Application Programming Interface (API) system-to-system data feed.
UHC Policy Updates for March 2022
Just click the button to check out the latest from UHC.
Recent Comments