Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Fight Brews Over Medicare's Coverage Of Prosthetics
The Wall Street Journal: Medicare’s Proposed Changes On Prosthetics Stirs A Fight
Tom Watson has relied on a prosthetic limb since the 1970s, when a 10,000-pound bulldozer rolled over part of his right leg. After his amputation, he became so involved in prosthetics that he opened his own business fabricating and fitting such devices. Now Mr. Watson, whose advanced artificial limb has allowed him to remain active and coach college football for students with disabilities, has both a business and personal stake in proposed federal rules that would tighten Medicare requirements for prosthetics. (Armour, 9/20)
Modern Healthcare: Health Care Leaders Say Stage 3 Could Jeopardize Medicare Doc Payment Rules
Healthcare groups support plans to delay Stage 3 of the meaningful-use rules, especially because those rules need to harmonize with the recently passed “doc fix” to the Medicare program. This week, Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) said he would like to see rule-making delayed until Jan. 1, 2017, on the more stringent Stage 3 meaningful use, testing and certification criteria. That could push back provider start dates for Stage 3 into 2019 or beyond. (Conn, 9/18)
The Chicago Sun-Times: Holdup At The Doctor's Office? New Billing Codes Could Be Why
Doctors and hospitals will soon have to be far more specific in detailing diagnoses and treatments when they submit bills to insurers for payment. So patients shouldn’t be surprised it takes longer than usual to be billed for their portion once the new medical coding system, required by federal law, takes effect Oct. 1, experts say. It might even add to waits at doctor’s offices, some say. (Novak, 9/21)
