New and Updated Medicare Resources Available

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and Noridian Healthcare Solutions, the MAC for California, have made available new and updated services and resources for optometric practices. Much of the below information can be useful for practice staff in their daily work as well as training resources.
 

• A new feature called "Jump Point" has been added to the Noridian Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system. Jump Point will help streamline the call process of getting claim denial details related to patient eligibility without taking any extra steps. It will also eliminate the need for callers to go through the main menu and then eligibility prompt. Read the complete update for more information.
• A new and free e-Medicare and Medicaid Basics Booklet is available. Beneficial for acquainting your staff with this huge program, it includes updated information on dual eligible beneficiaries, covered services and other common types of coverage.
• Changes are coming relative to PQRS reporting that will affect your reimbursement. An audio recording, transcript and PowerPoint are available from a CMS call last month on PQRS Feedback Reports and Informal Review Process for Program Year 2015 Results. Learn about Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) negative payment adjustments, feedback reports, and informal review process for program year 2015 results and 2017 payment adjustment determination.
• Providers can lose Medicare billing privileges if certain changes in their status are not reported to CMS within a prescribed timeframe. Given the importance of this matter, CMS issued a new, short article on the timely reporting of required provider enrollment information changes. Learn about the requirements to report changes.
• A revised PECOS Technical Assistance Contact Information Fact Sheet is available that answers questions on common problems and provides information on who to contact for assistance with particular issues.
• A revised MLN Guided Pathways Provider Specific Medicare Resources booklet has been released that contains a section for optometrists that provides information specific to Medicare coverage, billing, claims processing and payment, internet-only manuals, and other resources helpful to serving Medicare-covered patients efficiently and cost-effectively.
• CMS makes available a Remittance Advice Overview fact sheet that explains how to read this payment companion.