Tag: CoVID-19
The Song That Doesn’t End
Please be advised the Public Health Emergency (PHE) for Coronavirus Disease (COVID) which expired October 13, 2022.has now been extended by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Secretary, Xavier Becerra.
The renewal of the PHE is effective October 13, 2022. Absent another renewal, the PHE is anticipated to expire at 11:59 pm on January 11, 2023.
It Has to End Sometime. Doesn’t It?
What Will the End of the PHE Mean for Coverage?
The PHE has been extended 8 times since January 31st. We all have I fingers crossed that this is the last time. But there is a lot of uneasiness regarding the “WHAT IFs” of when it does.
To get some great insight check out this article from TMA.ED
PHE Extended
July 15th, Secretary of Health and Human Services, Xavier Becerra renewed the determination that a public health emergency exists. This will add another 90 days, extending the PHE through October 13, 2022
PHE Extended Through 7/15/2022
Will the End of the PHE Impact Physicians Practices and Patient Coverage?
You Bet Your Rain Boots it Will!
PHE extended, yet again!
Today, Secretary Becerra renewed the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) for an additional 90 days, effective April 16, 2022.
HHS Drops Reporting Requirement for Certain Negative CoVID Tests.
Beginning Monday, April 4, facilities testing for COVID-19 will no longer have to report negative results for tests authorized for use under a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments waiver.
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.
Planning to Test for COVID?
You’ll Need a CLIA Waiver or Certification.
The fast-spreading omicron variant has pumped up demand for COVID-19 testing, and that means physician offices need to make sure they have obtained the correct waiver or certification from the U.S. government to administer those tests.
CoVid-19 News from UHC
Beginning Jan. 15, 2022, UnitedHealthcare is covering the cost of Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-authorized or approved over-the-counter (OTC) at-home COVID-19 diagnostic tests for Individual and Family Plan and Individual and Group Market health plan members.
- The national public health emergency has been extended from Jan. 15, 2022 to April 15, 2022. See how that extension affects temporary provisions for COVID-19 testing and testing-related visits:
- Currently there are 2 monoclonal antibody and 3 antiviral treatment options authorized or approved for use.
- Reminder: CMS Billing change effective 1/1/2022.
- Health care professionals who administer the COVID-19 vaccine serum or monoclonal antibody treatment to Medicare Advantage members should submit medical claims through the UnitedHealthcare standard claims process.
- For services rendered through Dec. 31, 2021, claims should be billed to the applicable Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC), as previously established for reimbursement of these claims
Employee Vaccinations
TMA Ask the Expert: Employee Vaccinations
“The rule does not apply to independent physician practice settings”
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