Part B News Briefs

Why This Topic Matters

The brief consolidates several operational updates that can affect claim submission, documentation, and Medicare program administration. Readers can use it to identify whether a specific billing or compliance issue is covered in the full article.

Article Sections

1. Black box edits and confidentiality guidance

   A note about HCFA handling of commercially sensitive edits used in Medicare claims screening and related restrictions on sharing information.

2. Modifier use for certain practitioner claims

   A reminder about continued use of several modifiers for claims involving nonphysician practitioner and related services, along with the reason given for the extension.

3. Correct Coding Initiative update for screening and E/M reporting

   A coding update tied to a corrected CCI instruction affecting reporting when screening and evaluation services occur in the same encounter.

4. 1999 RBRVS fee schedule revisions

   Changes to carrier-priced status and relative value units for selected transportation-related services in the physician fee schedule.

5. Teaching physician documentation clarification

   A documentation clarification addressing how teaching physicians should handle history documentation in notes involving medical students.

6. ASC accreditation recognition

   HCFA approval of an additional accreditation organization for ambulatory surgery centers and the role of accreditation in Medicare participation.

7. National Guideline Clearinghouse announcement

   A public resource announcement describing a new repository of clinical practice guidelines developed through multiple organizations.

8. Medicare+Choice beneficiary information line

   Information for beneficiaries in selected states about how to obtain general details on Medicare+Choice health plan options.