Private Practice

NGS Announces “Virtual” Medicare University Convention

Posted by Nancy on September 25, 2009 at 5:20 pm

National Government Services (NGS) has posted the schedule for their first ever virtual Medicare University Convention to be held November 16-20, 2009.  Last year this convention was held as a live event in Indianapolis, and citing the significant savings in travel and expense, NGS has announced a reduction in the registration fee from $175 to [...]

CMS DME Accreditation Requirements – PT & OT Exemptions

Posted by Nancy on September 24, 2009 at 10:42 am

There seems to be a bit of panic spreading in the therapy community, that is more of a misunderstanding regarding the standing of private practice therapists providing DME supplies for their patients.  There seems to be a particular concern for those providing hand therapy services including splints, and wondering if they have to meet the [...]

Recovery Audit Contractors & Local Coverage Determinations for Therapy

Posted by Nancy on September 17, 2009 at 11:20 am

 Automated reviews of rehab untimed codes are underway by the Recovery Audit Contractors in Region C & Region D.  It is entirely possible that rehab providers have received recoupment letters as you read this.  Simultaneously within CMS the conversion from fiscal intermediaries and carriers to the Medicare Administrative Contractor format has resulted in the development/conversion [...]

Connolly, RAC Region C, Untimed: Alabama & Georgia

Posted by Nancy on September 9, 2009 at 8:24 am

The Region C RAC (Connolly) has posted approved issues for two new states, including the addition of untimed codes for Alabama & Georgia.  Connolly originally posted the CMS approved issue of untimed codes for automated reviews for South Carolina, and shortly after added the issue for Florida.

The RAC “Issue” of Untimed Codes

Posted by Nancy on August 31, 2009 at 3:14 pm

Now that we know that it is for real, there is no more speculating, it has been published.  How can rehab providers in Region C and Region D get themselves ahead of the RAC automated review process on untimed codes?  We first predicted that untimed codes would likely be one of the first rehab issues [...]

Region B RAC Reveals Website – Posts 3 CMS Issues

Posted by Nancy on August 31, 2009 at 2:06 pm

The Region B RAC Contractor revealed their website capabilities while posting 3 CMS approved issues for automated review in Region B states of Indiana, Michgan and Minnesota.  This time the previously CMS approved issue of “Untimed Code” for rehab is not among them.  Visit the site for CGI to see how it is formatted.  Notice that on [...]