The NPI is here. The NPI is now. Are you using it?
Industry-Wide Enforcement of the NPI Compliance Date
The compliance date for the NPI for all HIPAA covered entities except small health plans was May 23, 2007. (Small health plans have until May 23, 2008 to comply.) In guidance provided on April 2, 2007, …
For the first time in 16 years, the Federal Government has changed
the I-9 Immigration Form.
It has now been released and ALL employers, regardless of size are
required to fill one out for each new employee. Only this amended
version of the Form I-9 will be accepted as valid after December 26,
2007.…
PHYSICIAN CONTRACTS & ISSUES
INTRODUCTION
The structure, purpose and terms of every physician contract are different. The content and style vary with the institutional or private practice nature of the employer and the needs and leverage of the physician. Following is a list identifying major issues or components.
I. COMPENSATION
1. Base Compensation.
A. Fair market value…
EXHAUSTION OF ADMINISTRATIVE REMEDIES CONFIRMED AGAIN
A Colorado Federal District Court has confirmed the applicability of the doctrine of exhaustion administrative remedies regarding credentialing disputes. In Catholic Health Initiatives, Colorado v. Gross, Dr. Gross terminated the hospital peer review process by resigning during the early stages of an investigation. The facts of the case indicate that…
High Deductible Health Plan Limits:
· Deductible: The minimum deductible for HSA-qualified high deductible health plans is $1,100 for individual coverage and $2,200 …
On December 28, 2007, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued two advisory opinions approving gainsharing arrangements. Advisory Opinion 07-21 deals with cardiac surgeons and Advisory Opinion 07-22 with anesthesiologists. Consistent with prior gainsharing approvals
Continue Reading OIG Issues Advisory Opinions For Cardiac Surgeon And Anesthesiologist To Gain Sharing Programs
JOINT COMMISSION ANNOUNCES MS.1.20 TASK FORCE
The Joint Commission today announced the establishment of a special fact finding task force that will examine implementation issues related to revised hospital medical staff standard MS.1.20 and address issues of concern that have been raised. The Joint Commission expects the task force report at the Board of Commissioners…
As of February 1, 2008, U.S. citizens may begin to apply for the New Passport Card. The passport card will facilitate travel between the U.S. and land border as well as sea ports-of-entry countries such as Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. The new passport card will carry the same rights and privileges as a…
CORF SERVICES
I. INTRODUCTION
CORF Services may consist of physician services, physical and occupational therapy services, speech pathology services, respiratory services, prosthetic or orthotic devices and related services, social and psychological services, drugs and biologicals, vaccines and supplies, appliances and equipment. Any of these services may be provided provided a physician first certifies the medical…
REPORTING OF CARDIAC REHABILITATION SERVICES
Cardiac rehab services were being reported as CPT 93797 (physician services for outpatient cardiac rehabilitation without continuous ECG monitoring) and CPT 93798 (physician services for outpatient cardiac rehabilitation with continuing ECG monitoring). CMS proposed to establish two new HCPCs codes to report cardiac rehab services, i.e., GXXX 1 (physician services for…
