Rural Healthcare Payment and Reimbursement – News
News stories from the past 60 days.
Apr 11, 2024 - Pre-publication notice of proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding changes to the hospital inpatient prospective payment system (IPPS) for operating and capital-related costs of acute care hospitals for fiscal year 2025. Contains details of proposed changes impacting Medicare graduate medical education (GME) for teaching hospitals and payment policies and the annual payment rates for the Medicare prospective payment system (PPS) for inpatient hospital services provided by long-term care hospitals, among other things. Comments are due by June 10, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Mar 19, 2024 - Announcement of a new model from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid for primary care providers in Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs). The model offers participating providers advanced payments for flexibility and access to resources for optimal primary care delivery. The model will incorporate health equity and address health disparities by targeting low revenue ACOs. The model begins January 1, 2025 for approximately 130 ACOs. Interested organizations much apply for or renew their ACO status between May 20 and June 17 in order to participate in the model.
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Mar 14, 2024 - Summarizes a recent study investigating the impact of billing models for telehealth for palliative care on rural caregivers, healthcare teams, and patients. Discusses finding strategies for healthcare workers that engage with family caregivers in ways that are reimbursable.
Source: Mayo Clinic News Network
Feb 26, 2024 - Discusses value-based payment (VBP) models in Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) as a way to offer flexibility and innovation opportunity with a more predictable funding model. Includes interviews with FQHC leaders and experts about challenges with VBP and policy measures that can make implementation easier.
Source: The Commonwealth Fund
Feb 23, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) implementing Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH)-related provisions of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. This rule provides more clarity on how the hospital-specific payment limit, the change that took effect on October 1, 2021, will be calculated. This rule also enhances administrative efficiency by making technical changes and clarifications to the DSH program. These regulations are effective April 23, 2024. Sections 447.295(b) and (d), 447.299(c)(6), (7), (10), and (16), and 455.304(d)(1), (3), (4), and (6) are applicable as of October 1, 2021.
Source: Federal Register
Last Updated: 4/11/2024