Industry Notes: CMS Clarifies Which Staff Members Can Perform AWV, WTM Exam

Why This Topic Matters

The article highlights timely Medicare-related updates that can affect preventive service workflows, coverage verification, and compliance risk management. It is relevant to practices that bill Medicare for wellness visits, preventive exams, pulmonary rehab, or hospice services, as well as organizations tracking federal audit and fraud-enforcement trends.

Article Sections

1. CMS clarifies staff who may perform preventive visits

   Covers CMS guidance on practitioner types associated with annual wellness visits and the Welcome-to-Medicare preventive exam. Also notes the emphasis on scope of practice and the preventive services FAQ source.

2. Senior Medicare Patrol Program boosts its ranks

   Summarizes an HHS Office of Inspector General report on program participation, outreach activity, and recovered funds. Includes general information on volunteer growth and beneficiary education efforts.

3. CMS tweaks pulmonary rehab coverage

   Reviews a CMS clarification tied to pulmonary rehabilitation policy and a related MLN Matters update. The section addresses the article’s background on payment and the coverage refinement discussed by CMS.

4. Whistleblower lawsuit leads to hospice GIP settlement

   Describes a hospice-related False Claims Act settlement and the government’s allegations involving inpatient hospice billing. Also references the enforcement context and the parties involved in the case.