KZA NEWS
Telehealth CMS Policy Update
Congress has passed a continued resolution (CR) to fund the government through March 31, 2025. On December 21, 2024, President Biden signed the bill, which included the rollback of the healthcare provision to extend the pandemic-era telehealth flexibilities set to expire from December 31, 2024, through March 31, 2025. Included in the provision was removing the geographic pre-pandemic requirements and expanding:
2024 CMS Improper Payment Data Released
CMS has published its 2024 Medicare Fee-for-Service (FFS) Improper Payment Data, highlighting areas of billing and documentation vulnerability. This data, available in the latest MLN Newsletter (CMS MLN Newsletter, December 12, 2024), provides insight into which services, provider types, and settings are experiencing elevated error rates.
How to Navigate the Transfer of Care During the Global Period in 2025
In November 2024, the OIG added “Incident-to” services to the work plan. If you are reporting advanced practice providers under a physician’s NPI number in your practice, we recommend that you audit these services to ensure you meet the criteria. The objective of the OIG is to audit and determine whether Medicare Part B payments for these services meet the Medicare guidelines.
Office of Inspector General (OIG) Workplan now includes “Incident-to” Services
In November 2024, the OIG added “Incident-to” services to the work plan. If you are reporting advanced practice providers under a physician’s NPI number in your practice, we recommend that you audit these services to ensure you meet the criteria. The objective of the OIG is to audit and determine whether Medicare Part B payments for these services meet the Medicare guidelines.
🎁 A Free Holiday Gift from KZA!
This holiday season, KZA is giving you the gift of knowledge! Join us for our complimentary webinar,
Unlocking the 2025 Surgical CPT Codes on December 18th at 12:00 PM CST.
This exclusive session will provide a comprehensive overview of the 2025 surgical coding updates, helping you stay ahead in your field. It’s the perfect way to prepare for the new year!
Navigating the Impact of Health Systems Exiting Medicare Advantage Plans in 2024
As of 2024, a significant number of health systems across the United States have chosen to discontinue their participation in various Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. This trend has substantial implications for both healthcare providers and patients, particularly in the realms of billing, coding, and practice management.
BlueCross BlueShield Reimbursement Change for Consultation Services
Numerous BlueCross BlueShield plans do not currently cover Consultation services; however, several do. BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) of Illinois is the most recent commercial plan to update its Clinical Payment and Coding Policy for Evaluation and Management Coding (CPC2024) to align with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) policy not to reimburse Consultation service codes 99242-99245 and 99252 – 99255.
Collagen Dressings
KZA has received several inquiries regarding using collagen dressings for all post-surgical patients to aid healing through a direct shipping program. Your practice needs to take several factors into account when considering this.
Breaking News!
Great news! Stakeholder pressure has resulted in payers rescinding the proposals to reduce EM payment with a 25 modifier. KZA has been notified that the state of California had rescinded its policy.
KZA Unveils New Brand Identity and Website
KZA, Inc., a leading consulting and education firm with over 38 years of experience, is proud to announce the launch of its new brand identity and website. After months of meticulous planning and hard work, KZA is thrilled to reveal a fresh, dynamic look that embodies its commitment to excellence in healthcare consulting.
What is G2211? Why is it here, and what do you need to know?
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has finalized its new add-on code for visit complexity, G2211, as part of the 2024 CMS Physician Fee Schedule. This add-on code has many in the industry looking for guidance. Here’s what the code says:
KZA’s Next Chapter: Our Evolution in Healthcare Consulting and Education Takes a New Address
We are thrilled to share a momentous announcement that marks a new chapter in the story of KZA – your trusted partner in healthcare consulting and education.
KZA's Next Chapter: New Leadership, Same Commitment to Excellence!
Dear Valued Clients, Partners, and Stakeholders,
We are delighted to announce that KZA is embarking on an exciting new chapter under the guidance of new leadership. While change is inevitable, our commitment to excellence and unwavering dedication to your growth and success remain steadfast.