Category: Healthcare News

Medicare Physician Pay Cuts

CMS Finalizes MPFS with 2.9% Medicare Physician Pay Cuts

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has finalized its 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, which includes a 2.9% Medicare Physician Pay Cuts to physician payments. This decision, despite opposition from major industry groups, will impact healthcare providers and potentially patient access to care. The rule also includes several positive provisions, such as expanded […]
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DSMT and MNT

 DSMT and MNT: A Comprehensive Guide for Healthcare Providers

As diabetes prevalence increases, the importance of diabetes self-management training (DSMT) and medical nutrition therapy (MNT) becomes undeniable. To empower patients, optimize health outcomes, and ensure sustainable access, healthcare systems must integrate DSMT and MNT into diabetes care protocols. This article highlights the critical role of registered dietitians (RDs) and nutrition professionals in providing these […]
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Medicare appeals process

New CMS Rule: Medicare Appeals Process for Reclassified Patients

On October 11th, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule establishing a new Medicare appeals process for Medicare beneficiaries who are initially admitted to a hospital as inpatients but later reclassified as outpatients receiving observation services. This rule is a result of the class-action lawsuit that sought to establish appeal […]
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Medicare Physician Reimbursement Cuts

Medicare Physician Reimbursement Cuts Threaten Patient Access to Care

With over 67 million Americans—nearly 20% of the population—relying on Medicare, the program plays a crucial role in ensuring access to quality healthcare. Unfortunately, looming Medicare physician reimbursement cuts threaten to undermine this vital service, potentially leading to reduced access to care and compromised patient outcomes Medicare physician reimbursement cuts, such as the proposed 2.8% […]
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Healthcare fraud in medical coding

Healthcare Fraud in Medical Coding: Upcoding, Unbundling, and Emerging Challenges

Healthcare fraud in medical coding, particularly through practices like upcoding and unbundling, has become a major concern for medical coding and billing professionals. A recent healthcare market research survey found that 90% of respondents view upcoding as a significant ethical challenge Upcoding involves assigning higher-level codes to medical services than are warranted, leading to inflated […]
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Medical Documentation for Better Reimbursement

5 Key Ways to Improve Medical Documentation for Better Reimbursement

Providers and coders should work together to maximize reimbursement by ensuring accurate coding, which is validated by thorough medical documentation. By focusing on ways to improve medical documentation for better reimbursement, providers can enhance patient care and ensure accurate reimbursement. Here are five ways to improve documentation, patient care, and reimbursement: 1.  Avoid EHR Shortcuts […]
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Cyberattacks on healthcare organizations

Cyberattacks on Healthcare Organizations Rise, Disrupting Patient Care

A new survey reveals a significant rise in cyberattacks on healthcare organizations since 2023. These attacks have led to substantial disruptions in patient care, with the average attack costing organizations nearly $1.5 million. According to the survey, 92% of healthcare IT and security professionals reported at least one cyberattack in the past year, up from […]
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HIPAA Compliance and Ransomware Attacks

HIPAA Compliance and Ransomware Attacks: What Need to Know

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently announced a $250,000 settlement with a Washington-based healthcare provider for alleged HIPAA violations. The violation stemmed from a ransomware attack and subsequent investigation by the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) Ransomware Attacks and HIPAA Compliance: Protecting Patient Data: This settlement highlights a growing concern […]
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Healthcare cyberattacks

Healthcare Cyberattacks: Protecting Small Practices from Rising Threats

Healthcare providers face a rising tide of Healthcare cyberattacks, which can have devastating consequences. These attacks are becoming more frequent and costly, and healthcare organizations are spending more than any other industry to recover from them. Small Practices at Risk: Small healthcare providers are particularly vulnerable to Healthcare cyberattacks due to limited resources and staff. […]
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