Week 1 – Industry Hot Buttons!
MACRA: As a result of Congress repealing the historic SGR (Sustainable Growth Rate) reimbursement formula last year, a new pay–for–performance model has been introduced that will directly impact Part B reimbursement. Physician practices across the country will either be incentivized or penalized via reimbursement based on performance and quality care outcomes. The new model, specific to Part B providers, called MIPS (Merit–Based Incentive Payment System) will consolidate all other CMS alternative merit-based incentive programs (PQRS, VBM, EHR incentives) and provide bonus payments to participating providers of eligible APMs (alternative payment models). MIPS helps link fee-for- service payments to quality and value. This epic change became effective on January 1, 2017, so it imperative that your practice is ready to comply with these new requirements.
Modifier 25: Modifier 25 landed itself on both private payer and the OIG hit lists again this year for overuse and blatant misuse leading to millions in overpayments – and everyone wants their money back! Applying Modifier 25 incorrectly can cost your practice tens of thousands of dollars! Understanding this modifier’s appropriate application can be very tricky.
Here are a few questions to consider before sticking that modifier on your next claim:
- Was the patient scheduled to come in for a planned study or procedure only? Did any notable events occur that would affect the service beyond the study or procedure?
- Was the evaluation and management service provided significant and separately identifiable to the procedure or diagnostic study provided at the same encounter?
- Is active management of a significant and separately identifiable illness/ailment with preventive services for additional problems identifiable in the provider’s documentation?
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A CASE STUDY TO THE SURGERY CODING SERIES, DEBUTING NEXT WEEK!