AHCA/NCAL Analysis of CMS CY 2022 Medicare Physician Payment Rule
Last week, CMS issued a display copy of the agency’s final rule on payment policies for the calendar year (CY) 2022 under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. Several policy changes impact AHCA/NCAL members and their residents for services from physicians, nurse practitioners, rehabilitation therapists, portable x-ray providers, and clinical laboratories, among other providers paid under the Medicare Part B fee schedule. The CMS final rule summary can be viewed here.
The final rule reflects some improvements requested in the AHCA/NCAL submitted comments. However, CMS indicated that Congressional action would be required to resolve other concerns including payment cuts related to therapy assistant services and expiration of the 3.75% congressional relief provided in CY 2021 to offset planned CMS budget neutrality related cuts.
AHCA/NCAL has provided a summary of policy changes most relevant to members and their residents regarding the following subjects:
- Rate setting and conversion factor
- Therapy services
- Telehealth services
- Vaccine administration services
- Electronic prescribing of controlled substances
- Clinical laboratory fee schedule
- Medical review requirements
COVID-19 Updates
AHCA/NCAL Supports Coalition Efforts to Extend State Healthcare Licensure Flexibilities Throughout PHE: AHCA/NCAL has joined a coalition of more than 230 organizations and sent a letter to all 50 state governors, urging them to maintain and expand licensure flexibilities enacted at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic for the duration of the federal public health emergency to better address patient needs during the ongoing pandemic. Read More
CMS and OSHA Release New Vaccine Mandates: CMS released an interim final rule requiring covered health care workers to be vaccinated. OSHA has also released its vaccine requirement for employers with more than 100 employees (corporation-wide). Read More
AHCA/NCAL has prepared an overview, recommendations, and resources related to the OSHA Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS). Read more
CMS has prepared a frequently asked questions document for stakeholders (this only applies to the CMS vaccine requirement). Read More
Important Webinars
Recording Available! CMS and OSHA Vaccine Mandates Member Webinar
Hosted by AHCA/NCAL
Access the Recording
CMS COVID-19 Omnibus Vaccine Rule stakeholder call
Hosted by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Access the slides
Access the video
Upcoming Webinar: Resilience in Recovery
Hosted by Direct Supply
Our fight against COVID-19 is not over. We must create environments and facilitate behaviors to disrupt the epidemiological transition of this virus and protect our most vulnerable population.
On Monday, November 15, you’re invited to join an informational webinar discussing ways to prevent an outbreak by leveraging proactive data integration and technology solutions. World-renowned medical expert and immunologist, Dr. Deborah Birx, will lead the conversation to explore where we currently stand against the Delta variant and discuss preventative testing and data solutions to keep your facility safe this upcoming winter.
Once your RSVP is approved, you will receive an email with the zoom link and calendar invite. Please note: No personal emails or phone numbers will be allowed to register or enter the webinar.
Please email COVID19@ahca.org for additional questions, or visit ahcancal.org/coronavirus for more information.
