By Lynne Curry bio Question: I’ve been working from home since late March. At first I thought I’d hate working remotely; instead I love it. My work day is relaxed because I don’t have to put up with my micro-managing supervisor and can walk my dog during the day rather than waiting until after five. Working at home gives me something I haven’t had for a long time, work/life … [Read more...] about When employees don’t want to return to work the way it was
coronavirus
Model COVID-19 Medical Screening Policy
Regulators have made it clear that given the unique circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, employers may implement pre-screening measures to ensure that people who have or may have the virus don’t get into work and spread it to others. But limits still apply and you can get into a lot of trouble if you don’t follow them. Here’s a Model Policy your lab can adapt that provides … [Read more...] about Model COVID-19 Medical Screening Policy
Managing virtual teams in a COVID-19 era
By Lynne Curry bio If you’re a manager struggling your way up the steep virtual workplace learning curve, you may discover the COVID-19 pandemic makes you a better leader. Here’s how to navigate your way through this trial by fire. Focus on results Effective remote supervision requires managers to switch gears from supervising activities to managing results. Train yourself … [Read more...] about Managing virtual teams in a COVID-19 era
Nearly 3 in 4 Physicians Say They Can’t Provide Easy & Rapid COVID-19 Testing
Development of new lab tests to detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 coronavirus has been faster and more prolific than anybody could dare expect for a pathogen that was unknown just a few months ago. But it still may not be enough to satisfy the urgent demand for COVID-19 testing—at least not yet. That’s the depressing conclusion of a new survey from Harvard … [Read more...] about Nearly 3 in 4 Physicians Say They Can’t Provide Easy & Rapid COVID-19 Testing
OIG Temporarily Waives Anti-Kickback Restrictions for Certain COVID-19 Physician Arrangements
As it previously did with the Stark Law, the OIG is temporarily loosening Anti-kickback Statute (AKS) restrictions to clear the way for health care arrangements during the COVID-19 emergency that would be problematic in times of normalcy. Public Health Emergency (PHE) Waiver Rules During a PHE, the OIG has discretion not to impose penalties on remuneration arrangements that … [Read more...] about OIG Temporarily Waives Anti-Kickback Restrictions for Certain COVID-19 Physician Arrangements
MIPS data submission deadline extended to April 30
The 2019 Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) data submission deadline has been extended by 30 days to April 30, 2020. In general, if you have already submitted MIPS data or if you submit MIPS data by April 30, 2020, you will be scored and receive a MIPS payment adjustment based on the data you submit. Many MIPS eligible clinicians have performed very well in the MIPS … [Read more...] about MIPS data submission deadline extended to April 30
CDC issues testing and claims recommendations
The CDC has recommended collecting a single upper respiratory nasopharyngeal swab for diagnosis of COVID-19, as of March 13. CPT code 87635 or HCPCS code U0002 can be reported for the non-CDC diagnostic lab test, depending on the method used. HCPCS code U0001 can be reported for the CDC diagnostic lab test. Labs, physician offices, hospitals and other settings can bill for … [Read more...] about CDC issues testing and claims recommendations
CMS to provide accelerated and advanced payments during patient surge
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, CMS will provide accelerated payments to requesting providers and advance payments to requesting suppliers, including physicians and non-physician practitioners, who submit a request to the appropriate Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) and meet the criteria: CMS intends to provide assistance first to those providers and suppliers … [Read more...] about CMS to provide accelerated and advanced payments during patient surge
Before you let your employees work remote
By Paul Edwards bio In light of growing concerns surrounding coronavirus, many businesses are wondering if they will be faced with a decision to send employees home and/or close their doors for a period of time. One popular idea to address these concerns is to offer remote work (or ‘telework’) options. If you don’t regularly have remote workers, this may not be something … [Read more...] about Before you let your employees work remote
Protecting your medical practice during uncertain times
By John W. McDaniel bio Given the recent disruption and decreased demand for physician office services, coupled with the foreboding predictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, both hospital- affiliated and private medical practices are having to adjust their operations in order to provide billable patient care services while salvaging the cash flow/liquidity of the … [Read more...] about Protecting your medical practice during uncertain times