decisionhealth Newsletters, Coder Pink Sheets - 2006 Issue 5 (May)
CAP: GI practices must decide whether to join or keep billing for Remicade
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Article Overview
This article is for gastroenterology practices, physicians, and coding/billing staff who administer injectable medications in office and need to understand a Medicare payment option affecting drug supply, claims processing, and administrative workflow. It discusses the Competitive Acquisition Program (CAP) in the context of Remicade, the role of a designated vendor, the impact on billing responsibilities, and the relationship between drug payment and medical necessity/coverage decisions. The piece helps readers assess whether the article is relevant to their practice operations and Medicare billing setup without providing full premium details.
Why This Topic Matters
Practices that administer high-cost injectable drugs must decide how to handle purchase, billing, and patient balance-related administration under Medicare. The article outlines a payment structure that can alter workflow, vendor relationships, and claim submission requirements for GI offices.
Article Sections
-
CAP and Medicare drug billing choices for GI practices
Introduces the Medicare payment option discussed in the article and frames the decision facing practices that administer injectable medications in office. Covers the operational context for gastroenterology offices and the broader administrative implications.
-
How the program changes purchasing, vendor, and claim workflow
Describes the general structure of the program, including advance drug ordering, use of a designated vendor, and the additional claim-related administrative steps involved. Also notes the relationship to Medicare billing responsibilities.
-
Practical considerations for low-volume practices
Summarizes the article's discussion of which kinds of practices may find the option more suitable based on infusion volume and administrative burden. Focuses on workflow tradeoffs rather than clinical detail.
-
Coverage and claim-payment linkage
Explains the article's point that coverage decisions affecting administration services can also affect associated drug payment under the program. Addresses the general connection between local coverage determinations and related billing outcomes.
What You Will Learn
- What the Medicare Competitive Acquisition Program is in the context of office-administered drugs
- How a designated vendor model changes the way injectable drugs are obtained and billed
- Why some gastroenterology practices may consider the program based on infusion volume
- How coverage decisions can affect both administration services and associated drug claims
Who Should Read This
- Gastroenterologists
- Gastroenterology practice managers
- Medical coders
- Medical billers
- Revenue cycle staff
- Practice administrators
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.


Quick, Current, Complete - www.findacode.com