Otolaryngology Coding Alert
Get Ready, the COVID-19 PHE Is Wrapping Up
Question: What is the status of the COVID-19 public health emergency? Iowa Subscriber Answer: The COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) is still currently in effect, but the end is near. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra renewed the PHE for a 12th time effective Jan. 11. This latest update follows previous 2022 renewals on Oct. 13, July 15, April 12, and Jan. 14 and 2021 renewals on Oct. 18, July 19, April 15, and Jan. 7. Reminder: PHEs are extended in 90-day increments and allow for certain 1135 waivers and flexibilities related to various Medicare policies and regulations. Over the last three years, COVID-19 has ebbed and flowed, but the PHE extensions have allowed providers to take advantage of the regulatory leniency and continue to care for patients, which has been a boon to the healthcare industry at large. Have you heard? The feds recently announced an end date for the COVID-19 PHE. On Jan. 30, the White House released a statement setting the PHE’s end date as May 11. “This wind-down would align with the Administration’s previous commitments to give at least 60 days’ notice prior to termination of the PHE,” the statement notes. Keep in mind: Medicare will continue to allow certain telehealth flexibilities through Dec. 31, 2024. For more information go to https://telehealth.hhs.gov/providers/policy-changes-during-the-covid-19-public-health-emergency/policy-changes-after-the-covid- 19-public-health-emergency.
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Get Ready, the COVID-19 PHE Is Wrapping Up
Question: What is the status of the COVID-19 public health emergency? Iowa Subscriber Answer: The COVID-19 public [...]
