Codes Developed for Non-Face-to-Face Services

This article focuses on codes developed through the Current Procedural Terminology process with direction from CMS. Having CMS involvement was important to avoid the creation of “G” codes that many private payers do not cover. This did result in more complex codes that seem geared slightly toward the Medicare population.

1 in 5 Rural Hospitals at Risk of Closing, Navigant Says

Without some type of financial relief, as many as one in five rural hospitals in the U.S. could be forced to shut their doors, a new Navigant analysis finds. Of those, 64% are "highly essential" to the heath and economic well-being of their communities. In 31 states, at least half of at-risk rural hospitals are deemed essential.

Apple's Deal With the VA is a Big Step Toward Giving Patients Control Over Their own Health Information

Apple announced Monday that it's working with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to bring health records to the iPhone. That means that vets receiving their care from the VA will be able to see medical information like allergies, immunizations, labs and procedures directly on their iPhones with just a few clicks.

Social Determinants of Health Impact Severity of Chronic Disease

New Jersey’s poorest zip codes have the highest rates of individuals with chronic diseases seeking care in emergency rooms, showing a strong link between the social determinants of health and poor outcomes, according to a new state report. The team from the Center for Health Analytics, Research and Transformation (CHART) at the New Jersey Hospital Association (NJHA) also found a clear relationship between employment status, income...

US Patients See Rising Burdens of Mental Health, Chronic Disease

Mental health issues, behavioral health concerns, and chronic diseases are on the rise for individuals in the United States, creating significant challenges for healthcare providers in many regions of the country, according to the United Health Foundation’s latest population health report.

As Tech Companies Move into Health Care, Here’s What to Watch in 2019

From Amazon and Apple opening clinics to Uber launching a medical transit program, technology giants spent 2018 moving into the health care space. Many of these initiatives are still in very early stages, but they’ll continue to grow in 2019, and some of them may have an impact on Americans’ health care experiences as soon as this year.

Amazon Reportedly Exploring At-Home Health Testing

Details are beginning to emerge about the latest rumored home health endeavor from Seattle-based technology giant and online retailer Amazon (Nasdaq: AMZN). In line with its ongoing focus on the home setting, Amazon has reportedly considered entering the health diagnostics space by acquiring venture-backed startup Confer Health, which develops hardware for at-home medical testing.

Improving Behavioral Health Access in a Time of Severe Provider Shortage

Behavioral health needs are highly prevalent, comorbid with other chronic conditions, and associated with increased clinical care and cost. The 20% of Medicaid patients with behavioral health problems account for 46% of total Medicaid spending on health services. Spending on behavioral health services in total is projected to reach almost $240 billion by 2020, up from about $150 billion in 2009.

Utilize CCM Codes to Maximize Patient Care, Payment

If you are a family physician, odds are high that a portion of your patient panel is 65 or older and a Medicare beneficiary. And of these patients, a good percentage probably live with two or more chronic diseases that are well managed by your family medicine clinic.

Value-Based Reimbursement Reduces Costs 15.6%, Improves Quality

Value-based reimbursement models are moving the needle on quality and cost, a new analysis from Humana shows. In 2017, medical costs for patients attributed to primary care practices (PCPs) in Humana’s value-based reimbursement models for Medicare Advantage (MA) were 15.6 percent lower compared to Medicare fee-for-service, the insurer reported.