Like you, the AAPC continues to await publication of the final rule by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services that will implement ICD-10-CM into the HIPAA mandated code set and establish the implementation date.

While there will need to be significant education and training for physicians, coders and other healthcare personnel to fully implement this major code change, no one needs to panic.  Other organizations are already attempting to capitalize on the situation by suggesting that coders should begin training immediately.  The AAPC does not believe such an approach is either necessary or prudent since it will likely be difficult to remember in three or four years what you were trained on today.  It is important for you to know the AAPC has a plan in place to provide accurate and timely assistance to permit you to effectively implement ICD-10 on time. Read more »

A Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory committee says long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA) inhalers used alone are too risky for children younger than 18. The decision is still out on whether the benefits outweigh the risks for adults who use an LABA drug for daily treatment of asthma. Read more »

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a final rule Dec. 18, 2008 to ensure HHS funds do not support morally coercive or discriminatory practices or policies in violation of federal law. Read more »

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final regulation, Dec. 29, 2008 requiring certain suppliers of durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) to post a $50,000 surety bond.

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Vasovist® (gadofosveset trisodium), a new injectable contrast imaging agent for use in patients undergoing magnetic resonance angiography (MRA).

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It may be flu and cold season, but it’s always a good time for providers to be on the lookout for pertussis (whooping cough). Symptoms mirror the common cold: runny nose, sneezing, mild fever, and coughing. The tip off is cough severity and duration.

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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently issued January 2009 updates to the Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS).

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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a collection of new waived tests under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA). CPT® codes 83036, 81003, 82274, G0328, and 80101 must include modifier QW CLIA waived test to be recognized as a waived test.

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Recent legislation changes how Medicare pays for oxygen equipment and supplies. Effective Jan. 1, Medicare will continue to pay 36 monthly payments (less deductible) to oxygen equipment suppliers, but beneficiaries will not own the equipment at the end of the 3-year contract — as they have in the past. The law now says suppliers retain ownership.

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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) launched its fourth annual health care provider satisfaction survey. Approximately 30,000 providers nationwide were randomly selected to participate in the Medicare Contractor Provider Satisfaction Survey (MCPSS) where they’ll reflect on their experiences with federal payers. Selected participants were to receive an invitation by the first of the year.

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