2023-08-17-MLNC

Date
2023-08-17
Title
Weekly Edition
MLN Connects logo

Thursday, August 17, 2023

News

Claims, Pricers, & Codes

MLN Matters® Articles

Publications

 

News

 

CMS.gov Website Refresh – Test Website Available for Feedback

CMS is excited to share an evolution in the design and navigation of our website, CMS.gov. On August 15, we launched a preview version of CMS.gov that features a new information architecture and navigation, as well as a refreshed home page. We worked with stakeholders throughout the development of the website improvements and their input is reflected in the new website navigation and other updates. We’re asking for more input now, as you familiarize yourself with the refreshed website organization.

What we need from you

On August 15, we launched a preview version of an updated homepage, streamlined navigation, and improved search features on CMS.gov. You may need to refresh your browser if you recently visited this webpage. We’d like you to please:

  • Visit CMS.gov to preview the improvements and share your feedback – you can access the preview test site via CMS.gov. Simply click the link in the banner directing to the new preview test site. The content is identical on CMS.gov and this preview test site – the preview site just showcases the new changes to the site navigation and home page.
  • During the website preview between August 15 and September 6, visitors will be able to provide us with their input via a Feedback button available on every page on the preview test site.
  • The CMS.gov team has a triage process in place to review this feedback as it comes in.

We will also hold a listening session during this time to have an interactive discussion with key website users.

Thanks in advance for your consideration

We appreciate your feedback and any further input you’re able to provide regarding the new preview website organization.

Stay tuned for the official launch of the new CMS.gov website on September 6!

 

CMS Announces Resources and Flexibilities to Assist with the Public Health Emergency in Hawaii Due to Recent Wildfires

CMS announced additional resources and flexibilities available in response to the recent wildfires in the state of Hawaii. CMS is working closely with Hawaii to put these flexibilities in place to ensure those affected by these wildfires have access to the care they need – when they need it most.

On August 11, 2023, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra determined that a public health emergency exists in the state of Hawaii due to the wildfires beginning on August 8, 2023, and continuing. 

CMS stands ready to assist with resources and waivers to ensure hospitals and other facilities can continue to operate and provide access to care to those impacted by the consequences of the wildfire. 

More Information:

 

Clotting Factor: CY 2024 Furnishing Fee

The CY 2024 blood clotting factor furnishing fee is $0.250 per unit. No change from CY 2023.

CMS updates this fee annually based on the percentage increase in the consumer price index (CPI) for medical care. The CPI only increased by 0.1% from June 2023 – June 2024, so the fee didn’t change.

More Information:

 

Claims, Pricers, & Codes

 

COVID-19: CPT Codes for Vaccines No Longer Authorized

The FDA announced more vaccines no longer authorized for use in the U.S. Medicare doesn’t pay for the following CPT codes effective:

  • June 1, 2023, Janssen: 0031A, 0034A, and 91303
  • April 18, 2023, Moderna: 0011A, 0012A, 0013A, 0064A, 0091A, 0092A, 0093A, 0094A, 0111A, 0112A, 0113A, 91301, 91306, 91309, and 91311
  • April 18, 2023, Pfizer: 0001A, 0002A, 0003A, 0004A, 0051A, 0052A, 0053A, 0054A, 0071A, 0072A, 0073A, 0074A, 0081A, 0082A, 0083A, 91300, 91305, 91307, and 91308

Visit the COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Toolkit for more information, and get the most current list of billing codes, payment allowances, and effective dates. Note: You may need to refresh your browser if you recently visited these webpages.

 

Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility Prospective Payment System: FY 2024 Pricer Update

CMS published payment rates effective October 1, 2023, in the FY 2024 Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility (IRF) final rule.

Effective FY 2023, CMS won’t reduce IRF final wage indexes by more than 5% compared to the prior FY. This doesn’t apply to new IRFs that open in FY 2024 because they didn’t have a prior wage index.

More Information:

 

Skilled Nursing Facility Prospective Payment System: FY 2024 Pricer Update

CMS published payment rates effective October 1, 2023, in the FY 2024 Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) final rule.

Effective FY 2023, CMS won’t reduce SNF final wage indexes by more than 5% compared to the prior FY. This doesn’t apply to new SNFs that open in FY 2024 because they didn’t have a prior wage index.

More Information:

 

MLN Matters® Articles

 

Hospice Payments: FY 2024 Update

Learn about updates effective October 1, 2023 (PDF):

  • Payment rates
  • Inpatient and aggregate caps
  • Wage index

 

ICD-10 & Other Coding Revisions to National Coverage Determinations: January 2024 Update

Learn about this quarterly update (PDF):

  • New codes
  • Recent changes
  • How to find coding information

 

National Coverage Determination 30.3.3 – Acupuncture for Chronic Low Back Pain

Learn about changes effective January 1, 2024 (PDF), including:

  • Updates to visit frequency
  • Codes for acupuncture and dry needling services

 

Power Seat Elevation Equipment on Power Wheelchairs

Learn about this benefit category determination and national coverage determination (PDF), including coding requirements.

 

Publications

 

Medicare Provider Enrollment — Revised

Learn what’s changed, including information and resources for PECOS 2.0.

 

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