Tagged with Radiology Billing
CAR T-Cell Cancer Therapy Available to Medicare Beneficiaries Nationwide
On August 7, CMS finalized the decision to cover Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR T-cell) therapy, which is a form of cancer treatment that uses a patient’s own genetically-modified immune cells to fight disease. FDA-approved CAR T-cell therapies are approved to treat some people with specific types of cancer – certain types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
CMS Issues Renewed Guidance to Ensure Medicaid Program Integrity
On June 20, CMS released a renewed guidance to state Medicaid agencies that outlines the necessary assurances that states should make to ensure that program resources are reserved for those who meet eligibility requirements.
CMS Releases 2018 ACA Risk-Adjustment Data
CMS, on June 28, released its report summary of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) risk adjustment program for the 2018 benefit year. The analysis found that 572 health insurers offering ACA plans participated in the program in 2018, and transfers between the companies totaled $10.4 billion.
CMS Issues FAQs on BPCI Advanced Model
CMS, on June 21, issued several new or updated frequently asked questions documents on the Bundled Payments for Care Improvement (BPCI) Advanced Model, an Advanced Alternative Payment Model launched last October that will run through 2023.
ICD-10-CM Coding Changes Released for FY 2020
CMS has provided ICD-10-CM coding updates for the fiscal year, starting October 1, 2019 and ending September 30, 2020.
Anthem Medical Non-Oncology Specialty Drug Review Changes
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (Anthem) continues to streamline its medical specialty drug reviews by transitioning another drug review process from AIM to Anthem’s medical specialty drug review team. Beginning June 15, for all requests, regardless of service date, providers will need to submit a new prior authorization request by contacting Anthem’s medical specialty drug review team.
FDA Shares Two Guidance Documents for Imaging Providers
The FDA has published two new guidance documents designed to align the agency’s requirements for x-ray imaging devices with various international standards.
Fourteen States Address Imaging-Focused Legislation
In this legislative session, state lawmakers appear to be emphasizing consumer protections and expanded mandated access to screening exams in bills potentially affecting medical imaging.
FDA Proposed Rule ‘Modernizes’ Mammography Screening, Includes Breast Density Reporting
The FDA announced that it is taking action to “modernize” breast cancer screening in the United States by amending the Mammography Quality Standards Act of 1992 with a new proposed rule.
Update to ACR Appropriateness Criteria Released to Public
The American College of Radiology (ACR) has released an update to its ACR Appropriateness Criteria.
Humana Launches Oncology Model to Reward Integrated Care
Humana has announced plans to launch a value-based oncology program, with the intention to reward providers for more integrated cancer care for Medicare Advantage and commercial members.
Federal Judge Rules ACA is Unconstitutional
A federal judge in Texas has ruled that the entire Affordable Care Act (ACA) is unconstitutional on the grounds that its mandate requiring people to buy health insurance is unconstitutional and the rest of the law cannot stand without it.
Aetna Update for CPT II Codes for High Blood Pressure Measurements
Aetna has issued an update regarding the use of CPT II codes for HEDIS® high blood pressure measurements for patients diagnosed with hypertension.
Anthem BCBS Professional Bundled Services and Supplies Update
Anthem has released an update regarding the coding of bundled services for continuous intraoperative neurophysiology monitoring, from outside the operating room.
Humana Claim Payment Policy Update
Humana has published a new claim payment policy update for durable medical equipment (DME) repair and replacement.
Connecticut – Provider Termination Requirements
Aetna has posted a reminder regarding provider contract termination requirements in the state of Connecticut.
New York – Anthem Reimbursement Policy Updates
Anthem has posted several reimbursement policy updates, including updates to its Rule of Eight” Reporting Guidelines, system updates for 2019, and updates to policy for Modifier 69.
Wisconsin – Anthem Medical Policies and Clinical UM Guidelines Update
Anthem Wisconsin has updated certain medical policies and clinical utilization management (UM) guidelines to support clinical coding edits.
CMS Publishes Final CY 2019 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Rates and Policies
On November 1, CMS issued the Calendar Year (CY) 2019 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) final rule. The final rule updates payment policies, payment rates, and other provisions for services furnished under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) on or after January 1, 2019.
CMS Finalizes Medicare OPPS, ASC Rates and Policies for 2019
CMS has finalized Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) rates and policies for calendar year 2019.