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Showing posts with the label Provider Credentialing and Network Optimization

Home Health Agencies: Here's Why PDGM Payments Keep Falling Short

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Home health agencies can provide the right care, submit claims on time, and still see Medicare reimbursement come in lower than expected. The reason is often not simply a billing error. Under the Patient-Driven Groupings Model (PDGM), reimbursement depends on several factors, including the patient's clinical characteristics, functional needs, comorbidities, timing of the period, and whether the period meets the requirements for a full 30-day payment. For 2026, CMS also finalized changes to PDGM case-mix weights, functional impairment levels, comorbidity adjustment subgroups, and Low-Utilization Payment Adjustment (LUPA) thresholds. CMS also finalized permanent and temporary payment adjustments for home health. That means a reimbursement drop deserves more than a quick review of the claim amount. The real question is: What changed between the care provided and the payment received? How PDGM Determines Home Health Payment PDGM uses a 30-day period of care rather than the older 60-day...

Provider Credentialing and Network Optimization: 17 Strategic Ways to Build High-Performance Healthcare Networks

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Provider credentialing and network optimization are foundational processes that determine how efficiently healthcare organizations operate. Although often working behind the scenes, these functions directly influence patient access, payer participation, regulatory compliance, and revenue stability. In today’s U.S. healthcare environment, where networks are expanding and regulations are tightening, provider credentialing and network optimization are no longer administrative tasks—they are strategic imperatives. This guide explains how healthcare organizations can strengthen provider credentialing and network optimization while reducing operational strain. It also highlights how medical billers and coders  help organizations streamline these processes and maintain compliant, high-performing provider networks. What Is Provider Credentialing and Network Optimization? Provider credentialing is the process of verifying a healthcare provider’s qualifications, education, licensure, and pro...