Industry Notes:

Why This Topic Matters

The article brings together several practical Medicare-related updates that can affect claim preparation, documentation practices, compliance risk, and denial management. It helps providers and revenue cycle teams identify which operational changes and policy reminders may be relevant to their workflows.

Article Sections

1. Several MACs Open Up ICD-10 Testing Registrations

   Overview of Medicare Administrative Contractor testing activity, registration timing, and claim submission preparation related to the ICD-10 transition. The section focuses on general testing logistics and payer coordination.

2. CMS: Time Is On Your Side For Psych Billing

   Discussion of CMS guidance addressing documentation and billing issues associated with psychiatry and psychotherapy services. The section summarizes the general compliance concerns raised by revised coding guidance.

3. Medicare Strike Force Prosecutes Record Number Of Healthcare Fraudsters

   Summary of Department of Justice reporting on Medicare fraud enforcement activity and strike force operations. The section covers broad enforcement trends and geographic focus areas.

4. OIG Tells Provider It’s OK To Pay For Referrals

   Coverage of an HHS Office of Inspector General advisory opinion involving referral arrangements for a provider with multiple service lines. The section describes the general structure of the arrangement and the agency’s advisory review.

5. Face-To-Face Rises To Top Of HHA Claims Denial List

   Reminder from a home health Medicare Administrative Contractor about denial trends and documentation issues. The section focuses on the broader topic of claim denials tied to face-to-face encounter requirements.