by Christine Woolstenhulme, QMC QCC CMCS CPC CMRS
Jul 26th, 2017
CMS announced today that the payment rates and wage index system for 2018 has a new proposed rule for Medicare Home Health Agencies. CMS stated, “The new payment system aims to encourage innovation and collaboration and to incentivize home health providers to meet or exceed industry quality standards.” The proposed rule updates the Home Health Quality Reporting program 1% in 2018 due to projected Medicare payments to HHAs in CY, 2018 would be reduced by 0.4 percent, or $80 million, based on the proposed policies.
CMS is also proposing a complete redesign for 2019, including changing the unit of payment from 60-day episodes of care to 30-day periods of care. There will be six new clinical groups used to categorize 30-day periods of care based on the patients primary reason for Home Health Care. This, and other refinements for proposed methodology, would take place for CY 2019.
Read the entire CMS Announcement
Home Health Prospective Payment System (PPS)
References/Resources
About Christine Woolstenhulme, QMC QCC CMCS CPC CMRS
Christine Woolstenhulme, CPC, QCC, CMCS, CMRS, is a Certified coder and Medical Biller currently employed with Find-A-Code. Bringing over 30 years of insight, business knowledge, and innovation to the healthcare industry. Establishing a successful Medical Billing Company from 1994 to 2015, during this time, Christine has had the opportunity to learn all aspects of revenue cycle management while working with independent practitioners and in clinic settings. Christine was a VAR for AltaPoint EHR software sales, along with management positions and medical practice consulting. Understanding the complete patient engagement cycle and developing efficient processes to coordinate teams ensuring best practice standards in healthcare. Working with payers on coding and interpreting ACA policies according to state benchmarks and insurance filings and implementing company procedures and policies to coordinate teams and payer benefits.
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