Thursday, March 2, 2023
- The Future of Medicare Enrollment: Save Time with PECOS's Consolidated Application
- Voluntary Prior Authorization Process for Certain Power Mobility Device Accessory Items
- Expanded Home Health Value-Based Purchasing Model: February Newsletter
- ICD-10 Coordination & Maintenance Committee Meeting — March 7–8
- Medicare Home Health Prospective Payment System CY 2023 Webinar — March 29
- Medicare Cost Report E-Filing System Webinar — March 30
- Cannabidiol: Discuss Potential Harms with Your Patients
- Increase in Extensively Drug-Resistant Shigellosis in the U.S.
News
Starting this summer, applying to become a Medicare provider will be easier and faster with a redesigned PECOS. Watch this video, or read these FAQs (PDF) to learn more.
One Application Creates Multiple Enrollments
PECOS will feature a Consolidated Application so large health systems and chains can enroll or update information across multiple states or enrollments with a single application.
PECOS will automatically send your submitted application to the appropriate Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) for processing.
Pre-population Streamlines Data Entry
PECOS will also keep information like names, licenses, locations, ownership, and more for every individual and organization in a single national profile. You’ll be able to easily view this information across enrollments, and it’ll be pre-populated for new applications.
Applying to become a Medicare provider has never been easier. PECOS offers:
- Consistent and accurate information across applications
- Reduced errors and inconsistencies
- Easier management of enrollments and associates
- Faster enrollment process
- Minimized repetitive tasks
We’ll provide you with regular updates on the PECOS redesign over the coming months. For more information, visit Introducing PECOS 2.0.
More Information:
- Operational Guide (PDF)
- FAQs (PDF)
- Voluntary Prior Authorization List (PDF)
- DMEPOS Prior Authorization
You must continue to get prior authorization for all items on the Required Prior Authorization List (PDF) to get paid.
Read the February Home Health Value-Based Purchasing (HHVBP) Newsletter for the latest information, tools, and insights about the Expanded HHVBP Model.
Events
Tuesday, March 7 – Wednesday, March 8
Get information to participate in these virtual meetings:
- Procedure code topics on March 7: See CMS ICD-10 Coordination and Maintenance Committee
- Diagnosis code topics on March 7– 8: See CDC ICD-10 Coordination and Maintenance Committee
Behavior Change Recap, 60-Day Episode Construction Overview, & Payment Rate Development
Wednesday, March 29 from 1:30–3 pm ET
Register for this webinar.
CMS experts provide an overview of several provisions from the CY 2023 Home Health Prospective Payment System final rule related to behavior changes, the construction of 60-day episodes, and payment rate development.
More Information:
- Home Health Patient-Driven Groupings Model: presentation (PDF), supplemental limited data set files and descriptive statistics file (ZIP)
- Home Health Agency Center
Thursday, March 30 from 1–3 pm ET
Target Audience:
- Medicare Part A providers
- Entities that file cost reports for providers
Register for this webinar.
Learn about new and upcoming functionality for Medicare Part A cost reports in the Medicare Cost Report E-Filing (MCReF) system:
- Submit individual or bulk (chain providers) reports for FYs ending on or after December 31, 2017
- Get enhanced feedback on cost report exhibit attachments (for example, Medicare bad debt) through new optional file formats
- Access support for e-signatures on home office cost statements, which eliminates separate mailing requirement
- Read tips for accelerating cost report processing
- Track the status of reports with FYs ending after December 31, 2009
You may send questions in advance to OFMDPAOQuestions@cms.hhs.gov with “MCReF Webinar” in the subject line. We’ll answer your questions during the webinar, or use them to develop educational materials.
For more information, see the MCReF (PDF) MLN Matters Article.
Multimedia
CMS posted materials from the Shared Savings Program & Community-Based Organization Collaboration webinar in February:
- Slides (PDF)
- Recording
- Advance Investment Payments (PDF)
- Roles for Community Based Organizations (PDF)
The Shared Savings Program, in partnership with the Administration for Community Living and the Administration for Children and Families, held a webinar to discuss opportunities for Medicare providers to coordinate with community-based organizations to holistically address patient social needs. The Shared Savings Program will offer Advance Investment Payments starting in 2024, which can be used to support this work and promote coordinated, high-quality care.
From Our Federal Partners
SAMHSA issued a new advisory on Cannabidiol (CBD) – Potential Harms, Side Effects, and Unknowns. Tell your patients about the potential risks of using CBD.
The CDC issued a Health Alert Network Health Advisory about an increase in extensively drug-resistant (XDR) shigellosis in the U.S. Be vigilant about suspecting and reporting cases of XDR Shigella infection to your local or state health department and educating patients and communities at increased risk about prevention and transmission.
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