Medicare Compliance & Reimbursement
Avoid the Aches and Pains of the Flu This Year
It’s no fun getting sick, but it can be even less fun for Medicare providers and their staffs to code for influenza vaccinations. Know the basics this season to avoid denials. Dates: The start of the 2017-2018 flu season began on Aug. 1 and will continue through July 31 of 2018. It’s important to remember that flu shots are paid by season and not by the year, CMS guidance suggests, so it is possible that a patient could have more than one vaccination in a single calendar year. Medicare has updated its flu vaccination pricing with advice on who’s covered and how much Part B will pay for each CPT® and HCPCS code. Remember this important preventive measure is one of the most valuable services you can offer your patients every flu season, guidance suggests. “CMS reminds health care professionals that Medicare Part B reimburses health care providers for flu vaccines and their administration,” noted MLN Matters SE 17026. Reminder: Medicare Part B beneficiaries have no out-of-pocket costs for flu vaccines as no deductibles or copayments apply. Resources: For more information on code changes, roster billing, and Medicare Part B Q-and-A, visit www.cms. gov/Outreach-and-Education/Medicare-Learning-Network-MLN/MLNProducts/downloads/qr_immun_bill.pdf. Read MLN Matters SE 17026 at www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Medicare-Learning-Network-MLN/MLNMattersArticles/Downloads/SE17026.pdf.
Medicare Compliance & Reimbursement
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