HHS sends letter to providers, insurers reinforcing requirements for COVID-19 vaccination and testing to be free for all recipients
Xavier Becerra, secretary of HHS, issued a letter emphasizing that out-of-pocket fees for COVID-19-related services are prohibited.
UnitedHealthcare reverses course on new approach to emergency department claims, but perhaps only temporarily
UHC had announced this week that it would evaluate claims starting July 1 to determine whether ED visits were for emergent or nonemergent events.
Healthcare News of Note: Sg2 report says lower-acuity care to continue its migration outside of hospital walls
Healthcare News of Note for healthcare finance professionals is a roundup of recent news articles: Hospitals to continue to see loss of lower-acuity care, nursing shortage spurs health systems to offer sign-on bonuses and some newly passed state laws could put public health at risk.
Looming UnitedHealthcare policy on coverage of emergency department care draws opposition from hospitals, physicians
In a move strongly opposed by provider associations, UnitedHealthcare soon will start denying coverage of ED care that it deems to have been nonemergent.
CMS nearly doubles the payment rate for administering the COVID-19 vaccine in a Medicare beneficiary’s home
A payment increase for in-home COVID-19 vaccine administration is part of a strategy to improve vaccination rates, which have slowed in recent weeks.
Solving revenue cycle challenges with automation: 4 tips for maximizing your ROI
The healthcare revenue cycle is ripe for the kind of transformative change that automation technologies can bring. In fact, there may be no better application for these technologies.
2 proven strategies that can help healthcare providers reduce denials and strengthen their revenue cycle
Healthcare providers should consider the use of two proven strategies to reduce claim denials: Maximize reps follow up ability and close the gap between the front end and back end with a continuous feedback loop.
Healthcare News of Note: More ransomware attacks mean hospitals and health systems will likely have to increase investment in IT security
Healthcare News of Note for healthcare finance professionals is a roundup of recent news articles: A jump in ransomware attacks may move hospitals to increase IT security, surprise-billing concerns prevent some from seeking the COVID-19 vaccine, and physician shortages spur plan to allow more international candidates.
Survey data highlights shortcomings in private insurance coverage compared with Medicare
Indicators of coverage gaps were more likely to be seen among individuals with private insurance.
Nearly 64% more members enrolled in HFMA certification courses during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with the same six-week period last year
HFMA members are putting their work-from-home situations and downtime due to stay-at-home directives to good use: 2,171 members passed HFMA certification exams between March 13 and April 27, 2020.