Bunionectomy codes underwent expansion and revision in this year’s CPT update. Two new codes were added to reflect more accurate procedural options as well as many revisions to the technical descriptions of existing bunion correction codes. 28291 – Hallux rigidus correction with cheilectomy, debridement and capsular release of the first metatarsophalangeal joint; with implant 28295…
The most significant changes this year for diagnostic and interventional radiology involve mammography bundling, ultrasound screenings for AAA, and fluoroscopy services. Fluoroscopy codes 77002-77003 are now subject to the global period concept and are designated add-on codes. Mammography services now include computer – aided detection (CAD), which eliminated the add-on codes reported in previous years.…
At the end of the day, contracting in this day of pay–for–performance and adding value to the relationship is about the bottom line. What is the bottom line? The Spend! In most states, including Colorado, the commercial health plans have to tell the state what their premiums are. Their premiums come from their estimate as to…
Transition Information On March 1, 2017, Hewlett Packard Enterprises (HPE) will assume fiscal agent operations on behalf of Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+). These operations include the transition to the Colorado interChange (a new claims payment system) and a new provider Web Portal. You must be enrolled in…
The medical establishment is praising the appointment of Tom Price, MD, to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. That enthusiasm is not shared by women’s health advocates and some Democrats in Congress. President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Rep. Tom Price, (R-GA), an orthopedic surgeon and avowed opponent of Obamacare, was greeted with high…
With just over a week before it was scheduled to take effect, a federal judge blocked the implementation of an Obama administration overtime pay rule that would have extended overtime eligibility to some 4 million Americans. The Labor Department’s sweeping overhaul to the overtime rule required employers to pay time-and-a-half to their employees who worked…
Happy Thanksgiving! We are very happy whenever the season of Thanksgiving is fast approaching because we consider this as a wonderful holiday that permit us the best opportunity to thank all our valued friends, supporters and clients. These previous years have really been good to our company, and so we thank all of you for continuing…
The new Overtime Rule law implemented by the Department of Labor REQUIRES you to modify how you pay some of your full-time salaried employees, or fall victim to expensive lawsuit nightmares. Effective Dec. 1st, the new Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) rule changes the threshold for salaried employees. In a nutshell, this means you could…
Sneaky Sneak! I am seeing some pretty sneaky fee schedules lately! If you cannot explain a fee schedule on the way up the elevator between two floors of your building, it is either too complicated to know if your being paid properly or so vague that you won’t be. Some new carriers are popping up…
The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing made the decision to postpone the Go Live date of: The new claims payment system (the Colorado interChange), The new provider web portal, and The new Pharmacy Benefits Management System. The new Go Live date is March 1, 2017. Providers should continue to use their current…