INDUSTRY NOTES: CMS Says Resubmit 2010 Fee Schedule Comments

Why This Topic Matters

It brings together several operational and regulatory items that can affect reimbursement workflows, supplier participation, lab billing, compliance oversight, and patient safety efforts. Readers working in coding, billing, home health, DME, or compliance can use it to identify which CMS and industry updates may require follow-up.

Article Sections

1. CMS fee schedule comments and resubmission notice

   Summarizes a CMS notice about the public comment process tied to the proposed 2010 Physician Fee Schedule and the need to resubmit affected comments by the stated deadline.

2. Privacy and identity theft in home health

   Describes an alleged misuse of patient identity information and the response by a home health employer and state authorities.

3. CLIA-waived laboratory test update

   Covers a CMS update on additional laboratory tests designated as CLIA-waived and references the related MLN Matters article and modifier reporting context.

4. Competitive bidding for durable medical equipment

   Outlines the planned bid window, implementation timeline, and selected changes to the competitive bidding program for durable medical equipment suppliers.

5. Home care certification compliance settlement

   Summarizes a state enforcement action involving certification and placement practices, along with resulting operational requirements for the company involved.

6. Medicare fraud case involving physical therapy billing

   Reports on a criminal case involving alleged false Medicare billing, including the scale of the claims and the potential penalties described in the news item.

7. Joint Commission patient safety guidance

   Highlights a patient safety alert focused on leadership responsibility and agency-wide safety culture in home care settings.