CMS is empowered to take proactive steps through 1135 waivers as well as, where applicable, authority grantedunder section 1812(f) of the Social Security Act (the Act) and rapidly expand the Administration’s aggressive efforts against COVID-19.
Follow this link for more information: //www.cms.gov/files/document/summary-covid-19-emergency-declaration-waivers.pdf
From the New York State Department of Health: “The world is currently experiencing a COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the response, a public health emergency has been declared. This declaration includes the expansion of availability of telehealth services for patients. Expanded telehealth may relieve the burden placed on providers due to the increased demand for healthcare while reducing the risk of disease transmission. To help facilitate and support this approach, NYS DOH is allowing informed, verbal, documented consent for telehealth visits in lieu of the current SHIN-NY written consent requirements per 10 NYCRR Part 300.”
Important: Verbal consent is NOT durable. This means that verbal consent must be obtained during each telehealth visit, if a patient has not previously provided written consent.
The re-certification extends authorization to use DEA EPCS Certificates for another 2 years and allows physicians to use their Smartphone to comply with the required 2-Factor Authentication. This eliminates the need to carry a separate FOB or Id Cards.
A copy of the report has been posted on the ADL Website.
Approved Certification Process:
//www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/ecomm/e_rx/thirdparty.htm
Verify Physicians DEA Registration
Steps for COVID-19 Flu Prevention in Nursing Homes:
The federal government on Thursday acknowledged some errors in processing Medicare claims under the new payment system for nursing homes, promising to make a full correction by the start of its next fiscal year.
The main issue has to do with the sequence of initial claim filings for Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) reimbursements, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced in a release from the Medicare Learning Network.
SNF PDPM Claims Issue
Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Patient Driven Payment Model (PDPM) initial claims that are processed out of sequence are not paying the correct Variable Per Diem (VPD)-adjusted rate. Also, all adjustment claims are not processing correctly. Claims need to process in date of service order for each stay for the VPD to calculate correctly. We will correct this issue in October. In the interim: