Online only: CMS proposes new telehealth codes, ACO measure and more

Why This Topic Matters

The proposed changes touch multiple high-impact Medicare workflows, from telehealth availability and quality measurement to facility billing and payment adjustments. Organizations that bill Medicare or participate in CMS initiatives need to understand the scope of the proposals and monitor which items may affect reporting, reimbursement, or compliance processes.

Article Sections

1. Anesthesia for screening colonoscopy revisited

   Discusses a proposed Medicare policy update affecting anesthesia services tied to screening colonoscopy and related payment handling.

2. New codes for telehealth

   Covers proposed additions to the telehealth list and related discussion of other services CMS considered for inclusion or exclusion.

3. Comprehensive Primary Care (CPC) initiative expansion plans

   Summarizes CMS comments on the CPC initiative and proposed changes to clinical quality measure reporting requirements.

4. New quality measure for accountable care organizations (ACOs) in its Shared Savings Program

   Describes a proposed reporting option for ACO quality measures and a related process for measure maintenance within the Shared Savings Program.

5. Proposed CT modifier to flag services with payment cuts

   Explains a proposed modifier-based mechanism connected to imaging payment adjustments and standards-based equipment requirements.

6. Automatic renewal of private contracting/opt-out

   Addresses proposed regulatory changes for private contracting opt-out arrangements and related renewal and termination procedures.

7. Chronic care management (CCM) payments for rural health centers (RHCs) and federally qualified health centers (FQHCs)

   Covers proposed CCM payment considerations for certain safety-net facilities and references Medicare reporting expectations.

8. Required reporting by RHCs of HCPCS codes for all services provided to Medicare patients

   Summarizes a proposed expansion of reporting requirements for rural health centers and the anticipated need for additional coding guidance.

9. Tribal facilities’ avenue to become certified as 'grandfathered tribal FQHCs'

   Describes a proposed pathway for certain tribal facilities to obtain a different FQHC payment status and related certification steps.