Billing Codes for H1N1 - AMA and CMS
With all the recent talk and concern about H1N1, here’s a short update on what codes to use for the vaccine. The AMA has released theirs: 90470—H1N1 immunization administration (intramuscular, intranasal), including counseling when performed 90663—Influenza virus vaccine, pandemic formulation, H1N1 CMS also has their codes: Medicare will be using G9141 for the administration and counseling, and [...] ( More info )

Billing Changes for Inpatient Care - Hospitals
 One big important change is the use of past billing records, this is being done to help combat fraud and errors.  One other item worth mentioning is the fact they now want legible signatures, which might be a challenge to some.  Durable medical equipment must also be properly documented. A Medicare initiative to better calculate fee-for-service [...] ( More info )

Medicare Consultation Codes are Changing
 Here’s a brief summary of what to expect and which codes to use.  There has been no word yet from commercial carriers on what their position will be with the provisions.  This is something to give some consideration if Medicare is the secondary payer on claims as you may end up with a denial on [...] ( More info )

Emdeon to Open a New Nashville Data Center
 Recently in the news, Emdeon had their first public offering, an IPO and now is set to expand their offices. Emdeon provides software and hardware that links patients with hospitals, pharmacies, doctors and insurers for eligibility and billing.  The new site is said to contain 34,200 square feet.  Up until recently Cigna had an exclusive agreement [...] ( More info )

How To Bill for H1N1 - Updated Information and Video
Now that we are in full swing with the H1N1, there is a video on YouTube you can watch and easily reference for some coding guidelines. The video can be viewed at the link below. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZz7eAeGmhc A practice can’t charge for the vaccine, but can charge for administering the shot. V04.81 is the Diganosis [...] ( More info )

CMA Files Lawsuit Against Governor for Condoning Violations of State Scope of Practice Laws
CMA and the California Society of Anesthesiologists (CSA) filed a lawsuit last week asking a court to overturn a decision by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to opt out of the federal requirement for physician supervision of anesthesia care for Medicare patients. ( More info )

CMA Objects to DMHC Attempt to Legitimize Illegal Discount Health Plans
The Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) recently proposed regulations that would regulate "discount health plans" in California. ( More info )

Dustin Corcoran Named CMA CEO
Dustin Corcoran, who has worked for CMA for nearly 12 years, has been promoted to chief executive officer. ( More info )

CMA Doctors Want Health Reform That Increases Access to Affordable Care; Docs Split on Congressional Health Reform Legislation
Ninety-seven percent of CMA members favor either incremental or fundamental health care reform over no reform, according to a recent survey of 407 CMA members. ( More info )

CMA Defends Corporate Bar
CMA has filed an amicus brief in a Medicare whistleblower case before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal, arguing that a violation of state corporate bar laws can be grounds for filing a whistleblower claim for fraudulent Medicare billing. ( More info )

Medicare Posts List of PECOS-Enrolled Physicians Online
Medicare physicians who have not updated their enrollment information in the past five years may need to fill out another application or face payment problems for ordered or referred services. ( More info )

CMA Continues Discussions with Blue Shield about Insurer's Plans to Publish Faulty Quality Data
CMA met with Blue Shield last month to discuss the insurer's plans to publish the results of the 2009 California Physician Performance Initiative (CPPI). ( More info )

CMA Endorses Hector De La Torre for State Insurance Commissioner
CMA has endorsed Assemblyman Hector De La Torre (D-South Gate) in the race for state insurance commissioner. ( More info )

CMA Comments on Joint Commission's New Medical Staff Standard
CMA recently submitted comments to the Joint Commission on its proposed Medical Staff Standard relating to self-governance, MS.01.01.01 (formerly MS 1.20). ( More info )

CMA Foundation to Launch California Cervical Cancer Awareness Campaign
The CMA Foundation is launching the California Cervical Cancer Free Campaign to raise awareness about cervical cancer and reduce the rate of this disease in California. ( More info )

Board Highlights Now Available
The CMA Board of Trustees met April 23, before CMA's annual Health Care Leadership Academy in Anaheim. A summary of the board's major actions are now available online. ( More info )