Coronavirus Round-Up: Check Out 4 New COVID-19 Updates

Why This Topic Matters

The article highlights fast-moving federal guidance that can affect coverage, billing, telehealth availability, and laboratory testing readiness during the COVID-19 public health emergency. It helps readers understand which policy areas are changing and why ongoing monitoring is necessary.

Article Sections

1. Know the PHE Extension Specifics

   Summarizes the public health emergency extension timeline and the broader Medicare flexibilities tied to it. It also notes the need to keep monitoring federal updates during the pandemic.

2. Get the Scoop on 11 New Telehealth Additions

   Covers CMS telehealth policy changes and the addition of new services to the Medicare telehealth list. It also places the update in the context of earlier pandemic-era telehealth expansions.

3. AMA Offers 2 New CPT® Codes for Flu and COVID-19 Combo

   Introduces recent AMA updates to the CPT® code set related to COVID-19 and influenza testing. It discusses the broader category of multiplex testing services added for immediate use.

4. Clinical Lab Certification Just Got Easier

   Explains CMS updates to CLIA certification procedures for clinical laboratories. It also references online fee payment and the quick start guidance available for labs.