Medicare Compliance & Reimbursement
OIG Trying To Encourage E-Prescription Switch
A new HHS Office of Inspector General-proposed rule may shield providers' electronic prescribing arrangements from the anti-kickback statute. Here's how.
The OIG released a sneak preview of its proposed rule on Oct. 6 that proposes to grant electronic prescribing-related anti-kickback safe harbor to hospitals, group practices, prescription drug plan sponsors and Medicare Advantage organizations.
The proposed rule would add a new section under the safe harbor regulations that would "describe more specifically the items and services protected by the new safe harbor for prescribing drugs electronically; the individuals and entities that may provide the protected items and services; and the conditions under which providing the items and services to prescribing health care professionals, pharmacies and pharmacists would be protected."
Plus: The rule also provides safe harbor protection for certain electronic health records software and training services. The OIG's provisions stem from President Bush's 10-year goal to achieve widespread interoperable EHR adoption.
The OIG will allow a 60-day comment period for this proposed rule. Providers can view the rule in the Oct. 11 Federal Register or go to
http://www.oig.hhs.gov/authorities/docs/05/100605E-PrescriberuleC.pdf.
Medicare Compliance & Reimbursement
- DME:
Feds Zero In On Unscrupulous DME Suppliers
Audit suggests CMS contractor not up to speed in all fraud-fighting areas.
The Senate's top fraud [...] - REHAB:
CMS Comes Through With More Incident-To Protection
New qualification standards should help facilities get paid.
Even though the National Association of Athletic Trainers [...] - PHYSICIANS:
January Pay Freeze Likely Awaits Physicians
Chemotherapy demonstration project peppered with criticism.
Doctors, brace yourselves. Next year may not be any better [...] - HOSPITALS:
October OPPS Updates Change C9255 Reporting Rules
'Pass-through' status granted to pair of C codes.
This year's hospital outpatient prospective payment system changes [...] - MEDICAID:
Group--NGA Cost-Cutting Ideas Ungoverned By Sense
Critics point to proposals that endanger many disabled benes.
Dismayed by the National Governor's Association's proposed [...] - PHARMACEUTICALS:
Part D Fraud A Priority For CMS
Agency to use innovative techniques to for fraud detection.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services [...] - PHARMACEUTICALS:
OIG Trying To Encourage E-Prescription Switch
Office proposal offers anti-kickback safe harbor.
A new HHS Office of Inspector General-proposed rule may shield [...] - LONG-TERM CARE:
Feds Follow Through On LTC Immunization Rule
Document carefully when residents refuse shots.
Long-term care providers may want to greet this flu season [...] - LONG-TERM CARE:
Facilities Should Help, But Not Steer, PDP Selection
Feds offer plan that can help beneficiaries decide on a PDP.
Many Medicare beneficiaries are already [...] - ENFORCEMENT WATCH:
Keep Personal Care Services Rates Honest
One provider found out the hard way: Medicaid won't pay facility ad and marketing costs.
Providers [...] - BILL WATCH
The following bills were introduced in the Senate: S. 1880. A bill to amend the [...]
