Monthly Archives: January 2021
OIG Says CMS Misses the Forest for the Trees
In honesty, OIG didn’t come out and make that statement, but after reading a just-released report, missing the forest for the tress is exactly what seems to have happened. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) provides auditing services for the … Read Full Post
Review Exempt Employees to Assure Compliance with Revised Rules
As businesses begin a new year and HR professionals ensure that all regulatory compliance is in place, now is a good time to review overtime exemption rules. This area continues to be the basis for the greatest number of lawsuits … Read Full Post
What We’re Reading – CDC Releases Updated Coding Guidelines
A recent article summarized updated ICD-10-CM coding guidelines for COVID-19 and vaping disorders. Here are some bullet points to keep in mind: For confirmed COVID cases, use U07.1, with documentation supporting the diagnosis. A positive test result is not required. … Read Full Post
The ABCs of Coding
Imagine trying to have a conversation with someone who only speaks a foreign language and having no access to a translator. Tough to do, right? You’d need basic use and understanding of relevant words in the foreign language and your … Read Full Post
What We’re Reading – New coding guidelines a recipe for improved revenue
As we close the first week of the new E/M coding guidelines – assuming your brain spasms are resolving – you might be wondering how the changes line up to payments. Are you better or worse off under the new … Read Full Post
“Webside Manner” 101
Before the pandemic, we always referred to bedside manner but after COVID and telehealth (TH) were approved during the Public Health Emergency (PHE), this is being referred to “webside manner,” an indication of the changing times. Not only is TH … Read Full Post
FLSA Changes to Worker Classifications Effective March 8th
In November, we summarized the proposed changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act and the guidelines for classifying individuals as employees or independent contractors (IC). The Final Rule was just released and will be effective on March 8, 2021. Here … Read Full Post
The APD Provider Business Model
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) is a Florida agency that administers a Medicaid Waiver Program through the Home and Community-Based Services waiver to the general Medicaid requirements. APD pays providers for services to persons with disabilities through the … Read Full Post
What We’re Reading – Mandating COVID-19 Vaccinations: Employers Wrestle with Whether they Can and Should
We’ve touched lately on several issues of can vs. should in the workplace, primarily with regard to political expressions and even ending remote work. The issue of vaccines is probably just as polarizing for employers and their workforce. This article … Read Full Post