Industry Notes

Why This Topic Matters

These updates can affect whether claims continue processing normally, which services may be subject to prepayment review, how emerging CPT content is tracked, and what administrative steps hospices may need for vaccination billing.

Article Sections

1. Medicare Keeps Rolling During Government Shutdown

   A short update on Medicare operations during a federal shutdown and the role of Medicare contractors and oversight functions. The section focuses on continuity of program administration and related agency messaging.

2. This MAC Plans to Audit Level 5 Codes

   A contractor announcement about increased review activity for certain high-level evaluation and management claims. The section addresses audit scope, documentation review, and affected jurisdictions.

3. New Edition of CPT® Debuts ‘Inter-professional Telephone/Internet’ E/M Codes

   A coding update describing new CPT content scheduled for a future edition. The section centers on a new family of inter-professional communication-related evaluation and management codes.

4. Palmetto to Hospice: Get Supplier Number For Vaccination Billing

   Guidance for hospices on vaccination billing administration and contractor processing. The section discusses Medicare billing setup, claim form routing, and contractor instructions.