Tag: Healthcare Policy

Gender-affirming care coding

Impact of Policy Changes on Gender-Affirming Care Coding

The landscape of healthcare policy in the United States has recently been shaken by an executive order issued by the U.S. President, introducing significant potential shifts, particularly concerning Gender-Affirming Care Coding. This has ignited widespread concerns about insurance coverage, general medical coding practices, and compliance obligations for hospitals and healthcare facilities nationwide. On January 28th, […]
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Medicare Advantage and Part D rule

Medicare Rights Center Comments on 2026 Medicare Advantage & Part D Rule

The Medicare Rights Center has submitted comments on the proposed Medicare Advantage and Part D rule for 2026 from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This annual rule introduces critical provisions aimed at strengthening prior authorization standards, enhancing transparency, and improving access to accurate plan information for beneficiaries. We strongly support these reforms […]
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CMS Finalizes MPFS with 2.9% 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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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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Medicare Advantage Reform: Rising Scrutiny and Political Shifts

Medicare Advantage Reform: Rising Scrutiny and Political Shifts

Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, a type of private health insurance that serves as an alternative to traditional Medicare, have long been a subject of debate within the healthcare industry and among policymakers. However, recent political developments suggest a growing appetite for MA reform, marking a significant departure from previous bipartisan consensus. A Rising Tide of […]
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Survey Reveals Key Issues with Challenging Surprise Medical Bills and Coverage Denials

Survey Reveals Key Issues with Challenging Surprise Medical Bills and Coverage Denials

A new study by the health care system reveals a significant gap in consumer healthcare rights. Despite attempts to curb surprise medical bills, a large portion of insured Americans are still receiving unexpected charges. Adding to this problem is the high rate of coverage denials, leaving patients with substantial out-of-pocket costs and causing financial hardship […]
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CMS Unveils Proposed Rules Impacting Medicare Payments for 2025

CMS Unveils Proposed Rules Impacting Medicare Payments for 2025

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has unveiled a series of Medicare payment rules that will dramatically impact Medicare payments for 2025. These changes encompass payment rates, coding guidelines, coverage criteria, and quality measures for various healthcare providers. Physicians, in particular, face a proposed average payment rate cut of 2.93% under the fee […]
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Value-Based Payment: Prioritizing Patient Health Over Profits

Value-Based Payment: Prioritizing Patient Health Over Profits

Value-Based Payment: Putting Patient Health First: When recommending a medical procedure, should doctors prioritize insurance reimbursements or patient health? The answer hinges on the payment model. In a fee-for-service system, providers are compensated for each individual service, potentially incentivizing excessive care. This model can lead to increased costs and harm patients through unnecessary treatments or medications. […]
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Physician Discovers Hidden prior authorization Details in CPT Codes

Physician Discovers Hidden prior authorization Details in CPT Codes

A proposal to track prior authorization using CPT codes was pulled back for revision after a surprising finding. An urologist, advocated for the plan to compensate physicians for time spent on prior authorization requirements. He also hoped it would streamline the process and improve patient care. However, the American Medical Association (AMA) informed urologist that […]
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The True Cost of Claim Denials in Healthcare

The True Cost of Claim Denials in Healthcare

According to a survey, claim denials are considered the biggest obstacle in revenue cycle management, with over 20% of providers reporting an annual loss of $500K due to these denials. A recent survey of healthcare leaders conducted by leading medical billing company revealed that claim denials are causing a significant and costly issue for healthcare […]
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