PITTSBORO, N.C. (WTVD) — When the school year started, Dr. Karen Barbee knew she was going to be busy. Barbee operates Renaissance Wellness Services, which primarily provides mental health services in public schools. “I remember warning my staff at the beginning of the school year in August that we were […]
Health Medicare
HRSA Offers Second Chances In Provider Relief Funding And Reporting – Healthcare
13 May 2022 Arnall Golden Gregory To print this article, all you need is to be registered or login on Mondaq.com. The initial phase of Provider Relief Funds (“Funds”) was distributed in April 2020, and since then, many providers have been playing catch up. The Health […]
How Medicare Advantage plans wrongly deny prior auth requests
What’s the news: Momentum to fix prior authorization is building in the wake of a Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG) report showing that Medicare Advantage plans delayed and denied patients’ access to medically necessary treatment. They also denied payments to physicians and other health […]
Most Office-Based Physicians Accept New Patients, Including Patients With Medicare and Private Insurance
Over the past decade, health care prices paid by private insurers have risen sharply. These higher prices contribute to higher health care costs per person, which contribute to higher premiums and out-of-pocket spending among the privately insured. In contrast to Medicare, which pays physicians based on a fee schedule, prices […]
Justice Department Announces Enforcement Action Charging 12 Medical Professionals with Opioid Distribution Offenses | OPA
The Department of Justice, together with federal and state law enforcement partners, today announced criminal charges against 14 defendants in eight federal districts across the United States for their alleged involvement in crimes related to the unlawful distribution of opioids. Twelve of the defendants were medical professionals at the time […]
Medicare Advantage Prior Authorizations are Often Unnecessarily Denied
A report by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) raises concerns about organizations prioritizing profits over patient access to care. Medicare Advantage organizations (MAOs) often delay or deny services for medically necessary care, even when prior authorization requests meet coverage rules, according to a report by the OIG. A concern […]
Advancing Equity For The Dually Eligible Population In Alternative Payment Models
Editor’s Note This article is the latest among a series in response to the latest developments in policy and research affecting the dual-eligible population. Other authors will contribute to the series as well. The series is produced with the support of Arnold Ventures. Included articles are reviewed and edited by Health Affairs […]
Patient information access automated with the Cures Act | Health Care Compliance Association (HCCA)
Compliance Today (May 2022) United States healthcare professionals and patients stand upon the cusp of unprecedented, burdensome regulatory changes that will affect automation and how we manage access to patient information while maintaining privacy and security. The 21st Century Cures Act (Cures Act) information-blocking and interoperability regulations are complex, unprecedented, […]
Joel Mekler | Medicare Moments: What is an Accountable Care Organization and what does it mean for me? | Lifestyles
The other day as I was sitting in the waiting room of my primary care physician’s office, I noticed a one-page letter directed to all patients. I must admit I normally don’t pay much attention to these notices because it’s usually something about new office procedures regarding COVID protocols. However, […]
Local church and mental health professionals give resources to residents for mental health awareness month
AUGUSTA, Ga (WJBF)- Each year approximately 8 million people die due to struggles with mental illness. Music star Naomi Judd was outspoken about her battle with mental illness—and often spoke about signs family’s should look out for if a loved one is having a hard time with depression and anxiety. […]