October 17
IN THIS ISSUE / October 17, 2018
- CMS to conduct new survey on post-op visits in global surgical codes
- Are you smarter than DataDerm™?
- ICD-10 updates impact several MIPS quality measures
- CMS to waive Medicare requirements for providers affected by Hurricane Michael
- Academy seeks statements on proposed bylaws amendments
- Help the Academy keep dermatology’s voice strong: Join the AMA
CMS to conduct new survey on post-op visits in global surgical codes
CMS has announced that it will be conducting a new survey to collect data on post-operative visits in global surgical codes. Physicians in dermatology, ophthalmology, and orthopedics will be randomly selected to participate in the survey.
Dermatologists who performed a combined total of 80 or more complex repair procedures (codes 13100, 13101, 13120, 13121, 13131, 13132, 13151, or 13152) in 2017 will receive the survey — excluding those in the nine states who are already in the process of reporting their post-operative visits using CPT code 99024. The survey will collect information on the activities performed during the follow-up visits on five patients.
The global surgical package, also called global surgery, includes all the necessary services normally furnished by a surgeon before, during, and after a procedure. Medicare payment for a surgical procedure includes the pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative services routinely performed by the surgeon or by members of the same group with the same specialty. CMS assigned the procedures with the designation of “090” or “010” for 90- or 10-day global codes.
The services included in the global surgical package may be furnished in any setting (e.g., in hospitals, ASCs, physicians’ offices). The Medicare-approved amount for these procedures includes payment for the following services related to the surgery when furnished by the physician who performs the surgery:
- Preoperative Visits: Preoperative visits after the decision is made to operate beginning with the day before the day of surgery for major procedures and the day of surgery for minor procedures;
- Intra-operative Services: Intra-operative services that are normally a usual and necessary part of a surgical procedure;
- Complications Following Surgery: All additional medical or surgical services required of the surgeon during the post-operative period of the surgery because of complications which do not require additional trips to the operating room;
- Postoperative Visits: Follow-up visits during the postoperative period of the surgery that are related to recovery from the surgery;
- Postsurgical Pain Management: By the surgeon;
- Miscellaneous Services: Items such as dressing changes; local incisional care; removal of operative pack; removal of cutaneous sutures and staples, lines, wires, tubes, drains, casts, and splints; insertion, irrigation, and removal catheters.
For more information, visit https://a4survey.norc.org/Media/1/GHS_FAQ.html. For questions, contact the Academy’s James Scroggs at jscroggs@aad.org.
Related Links:
- AADA Practice Management Center: Coding and Reimbursement Resources
- Academy product: 2019 Coding & Billing for Dermatology Manual
Are you smarter than DataDerm™?
- MIPS reporting in 2018 – Dermatology World (February 2018)
- Dr. Henry Lim: The value of data – Dermatology World (January 2018)
- AAD product: 2018 MIPS Reporting Module
- AAD web: MACRA Resource Center
ICD-10 updates impact several MIPS quality measures
CMS has determined that four quality measures in the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) quality measurement component have been significantly impacted by 2018 ICD-10-CM code updates:
- Measure number 137 (Melanoma: Continuity of Care – Recall System)
- Measure number 138 (Melanoma: Coordination of Care)
- Measure number 224 (Melanoma: Overutilization of Imaging Studies in Melanoma)
- Measure number 440 (Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)/Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): Biopsy Reporting Time Pathologist to Clinician)
As a result of this impact, CMS has determined that the quality measurement for these four measures will only be based on the first nine months of the 2018 12-month MIPS performance period. For questions, contact the Academy at MACRA@aad.org.
- MIPS reporting in 2018 – Dermatology World (February 2018)
- AAD product: 2018 MIPS Reporting Module
- AADA web: MACRA Resource Center
CMS to waive Medicare requirements for providers affected by Hurricane Michael
CMS has announced that it will be temporarily waiving or modifying certain Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP requirements for providers in Florida and Georgia who are evacuated, transferred, or otherwise dislocated as a result of the effects of Hurricane Michael in 2018. These waivers will prevent gaps in access to care for beneficiaries impacted by the emergency. Providers do not need to apply for an individual waiver if a blanket waiver has been issued.
Academy seeks statements on proposed bylaws amendments
The American Academy of Dermatology is seeking statements regarding the proposed bylaws amendments that will be presented to the membership for a vote on the spring 2019 election ballot. Statements are due Dec. 1.
Help the Academy keep dermatology’s voice strong: Join the AMA
Dermatology has successfully collaborated with the AMA and the greater house of medicine on many issues such as compounding, scope of practice, Medicare payment reform, and narrowed provider networks. The AADA’s representation in the AMA House of Delegates (HOD) is directly related to the number of dermatologists who are AMA members. Your AADA delegates represent the interests of dermatology by introducing and/or supporting resolutions that have a direct impact on how dermatologists practice medicine and care for their patients. The AAD needs you to join or rejoin the AMA. To join the AMA, visit www.ama-assn.org/membership.
Read more about dermatology’s fruitful alliance with the house of medicine in Dermatology World.
