Why Are Neurology Claims Facing More Documentation Audits from Payers?

-
Image
Neurology claims are facing more documentation audits because payers are tightening compliance oversight, demanding stronger medical necessity proof, and closely reviewing high-value neurological procedures. These audits are delaying reimbursements, increasing administrative workload, and putting pressure on practice profitability. Neurology is one of the most complex specialties to document and bill. Diagnostic testing, chronic care management, and procedure-heavy treatment plans require precise records. When documentation is incomplete or inconsistent, claims become audit targets—even when care delivery is appropriate. Why Neurology Is a High-Audit Specialty Several structural factors make neurology more vulnerable to payer scrutiny: 1. High-Cost Diagnostic Testing Procedures like EEGs, EMGs, nerve conduction studies, and advanced neuroimaging carry significant reimbursement value. Payers demand detailed justification for these services. 2. Chronic Condition Treatment Plans Long-ter...
Post a Comment

COVID-19 Emergency Declaration Blanket Waivers for SNFs and NFs

-

 

covid19emergencydeclarationblanketwaiversforsnfsandnfs.jpg

The Trump Administration is taking aggressive actions and exercising regulatory flexibility to help healthcare providers contain the spread of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). CMS is empowered to take proactive steps through 1135 waivers as well as, where applicable, the authority granted under section 1812(f) of the Social Security Act (the Act) and rapidly expand the Administration’s aggressive efforts against COVID-19. As a result, the following blanket waivers are in effect, with a retroactive effective date of March 1, 2020, through the end of the emergency declaration. CMS is ending the specific emergency declaration blanket waivers for SNFs/NFs, inpatient hospices, ICF/IIDs, and ESRD facilities. CMS passed several temporary emergency declaration blanket waivers for SNFs which were intended to provide healthcare providers with extra flexibilities required to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Emergency Declaration Blanket Waivers for SNFs

3-Day Prior Hospitalization

Using the authority under Section 1812(f) of the Act, CMS is waiving the requirement for a 3-day prior hospitalization for coverage of an SNF stay, which provides temporary emergency coverage of SNF services without a qualifying hospital stay, for those people who experience dislocations or are otherwise affected by COVID-19. In addition, for certain beneficiaries who recently exhausted their SNF benefits, it authorizes renewed SNF coverage without first having to start a new benefit period (this waiver will apply only to those beneficiaries who have been delayed or prevented by the emergency itself from commencing or completing the process of ending their current benefit period and renewing their SNF benefits that would have occurred under normal circumstances).

Physical Environment

CMS is Waiving Requirements Related to 42 CFR 483.90, Specifically the following:

Provided that the state has approved the location as one that sufficiently addresses safety and comfort for patients and staff, CMS is waiving requirements under § 483.90 to allow for a non-SNF building to be temporarily certified and available for use by an SNF in the event there are needs for isolation processes for COVID-19 positive residents, which may not be feasible in the existing SNF structure to ensure care and services during treatment for COVID-19 are available while protecting other vulnerable adults. CMS believes this will also provide another measure that will free up inpatient care beds at hospitals for the most acute patients while providing beds for those still in need of care. CMS will waive certain conditions of participation and certification requirements for opening an NF if the state determines there is a need to quickly stand up a temporary COVID-19 isolation and treatment location.

To know more about the COVID-19 Emergency Declaration Blanket Waivers for SNFs and NFs, click here: https://bit.ly/3zrYnCv Contact us at info@medicalbillersandcoders.com/ 888-357-3226.

Location: United States

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How to Reduce Days in A/R with Smart Denial Management Strategies

-
Image
 Timely reimbursement is the lifeblood of a financially healthy medical practice. Yet, increasing Days in Accounts Receivable (A/R) continues to be one of the most pressing revenue cycle issues for healthcare providers. One of the major culprits behind this issue? Denials. In this blog, we explore how strategic denial management not only reduces days in A/R but also improves cash flow and strengthens your bottom line. Understanding Days in A/R Days in A/R refers to the average number of days it takes for a practice to collect payments due after services have been provided. Industry benchmarks typically suggest keeping A/R days under 35. Anything higher signals inefficiencies - and likely unresolved denials. How Claim Denials Affect A/R Denied claims delay payments and increase administrative burden. Without an effective process to identify, appeal, and correct them, your A/R days will climb - and revenue will suffer. Top causes of denials include: Missing or incorrect ...
Read more

How Outsourced Medical Billing Can Improve Your Practice’s Profitability

-
Image
Managing a medical practice comes with its fair share of challenges—from patient care to staffing and compliance. But one of the most overlooked factors impacting a practice’s financial health is inefficient billing . That’s where outsourced medical billing comes in—not just as a cost-cutting solution, but as a profitability booster . Here’s how outsourcing your medical billing can significantly improve your bottom line. 1. Reduced Administrative Costs Running an in-house billing department requires trained staff, billing software, continual updates, and compliance oversight. These overhead costs can add up quickly. Outsourcing eliminates the need for these expenses, allowing you to pay only for the services you use —often at a fraction of the cost. 2. Faster Claim Submission and Reimbursement Professional billing companies are equipped with experienced teams and advanced tools that ensure quick and accurate claim submission . This minimizes delays and accelerates cash flow , g...
Read more

Is Your Neurology Billing Outsourcing Helping or Hurting You at Year-End?

-
Image
  As year-end approaches, neurology practices face a crucial decision: Is your billing outsourcing truly improving your financial performance, or silently affecting your revenue? Neurology billing is complex due to time-based coding, modifier usage, high documentation requirements, frequent audits, and prior authorization challenges. If your billing partner lacks neurology-specific expertise, it may lead to claim denials, revenue loss, and compliance risks. Signs Your Neurology Billing Outsourcing Is Helping If your billing partner is performing well, you will see: • Reduced denial rates for neurology codes (EEG, EMG, Botox, Nerve Conduction Studies) • Faster reimbursements and fewer delays from payers • Active recovery of old AR beyond 60, 90, or 120+ days • Accurate CPT, ICD-10, and modifier usage for neurology procedures • Clear billing reports, denial analysis, and revenue insights • Compliance with Medicare, commercial payers, and documentation standards Warning ...
Read more