In this episode of the MedPractice MadePerfect podcast, host Tom Maher reviews a selection of important policy changes stemming from the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE).
While these emergency flexibilities helped providers care for patients quickly and effectively, the unraveling of PHE policies has far-reaching implications for the ongoing success of your practice.
As a general rule of thumb, practice managers and patient-facing providers are strongly encouraged to review any policy that started during the PHE issued by the Department of Health and Human Services in response to the pandemic related to billing, coding, and credentialing.
In this episode, we will provide a concise overview of topics that impact most specialties and are particularly crucial for practices serving a high volume of Medicare and Medicaid patients. These topics include:
COVID-19 testing, vaccination, treatment, and diagnosis: As soon as the PHE ended, there were changes in guidelines and reimbursements for COVID-19-related services. Staying updated on these changes is vital to ensure continuity of care.
Telehealth changes for patients and providers: The relaxed telehealth regulations during the PHE significantly improved accessibility to healthcare. However, with the end of PHE, telehealth policies may revert, affecting how you provide virtual care to your patients.
Medicare credentialing, enrollment, and licensure: PHE waivers streamlined certain administrative processes for providers, but with the conclusion of PHE, there might be a need to reevaluate and update these procedures.
Workforce-related issues for healthcare staffing: The PHE allowed for flexibility in staffing arrangements to meet increased patient demand. Understanding how workforce-related policies may shift post-PHE is essential for maintaining efficient operations.
Administrative changes and clinical restrictions: PHE waivers eased certain administrative burdens, which are now subject to change. Additionally, clinical restrictions that were lifted during the emergency have been reinstated.
Other various waivers, including Locum Tenens rules: Various other waivers were put in place during the PHE, and it's crucial to be aware of how these waivers may impact your practice going forward.
We recognize that administrative tasks, such as billing, coding, provider management, and patient communications, are already quite challenging in the current insurance landscape - especially for smaller specialist practices. Therefore, it's essential to stay informed on the evolving policies to manage your practice effectively.
For further resources on the conclusion of the COVID-19 PHE, we encourage you to subscribe to MedPractice MadePerfect and receive timely and actionable communications, including all of the same articles we share with our clients.
Remember, our experts are here to provide support across a range of areas, from credentialing to payment follow-up. Don't hesitate to reach out for assistance – we're dedicated to helping your practice thrive in the ever-changing healthcare landscape.
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