[ Search Options ]

Inside this Section

Medicare Medicaid

Information for psychiatrists who serve patients through Medicare, the federal health insurance program for the elderly and disabled; and Medicaid, the federally supported state-run health insurance programs for the poor.

Medicare and Medicaid Explained

2010 Medicare News From HSF

Breaking News on 2010 Fee Schedule [posted 3.3.2010]

Phaseout of discriminatory mental health copay [posted 01.07.2010]
2010 Medicare Fee Schedule [posted 01.06.2010]
2010 Update on Elimination of Consultation Codes under Medicare [posted 01.25.2010]
Commercial Insurers Policies on Payment for Consultation Codes for 2010 [posted 01.25.2010] The list of insurers’ consultation code policies has been developed from reports the Office of Healthcare Systems and Financing has been receiving from the field. We cannot guarantee its accuracy. The list will be changing as we receive more information.

2009 Medicare News from HSF

Deactivation of enrollment, electronic funds transfer, timeframe for notification of changes tightens up

CMS Notices: :

CMS releases "Questions and Answers on Reporting Physician Consultation Services." for physicians and non-physician practitioners who perform initial E/M services previously reported by CPT consultation codes for Medicare beneficiaries and submit claims to Medicare Carriers and/or Medicare Administrtive Contractors for those services. Effective January 1, 2010, the CPT consultation codes (ranges 99241-99245 and 99251-99255) are no longer recognized for Medicare Part B Payment. [posted 3.1.2010]

CMS revises "Revisions to Consultation Services Payment Policy," to clarify language contained in the original CR and to add a reference to MLN Matters Article #SE1010 (above). All other information remains the same. [posted 3.1.2010]

CMS Extends Deadline for 2010 Medicare Participation or Nonparticipation [posted 11/.18.2009]

CMS announces payment, policy changes for physicians services to Medicare beneficiaries in 2010 [update posted 11.13.2009]

Scam Alert targeting physician offices [posted 6.18.2009]

Fact Sheet: CMS Form 1500 At a Glance [pdf document]

The CMS Form 1500 Web-based tutorial can be accessed by clicking on the following link http://cms.meridianksi.com/kc/main/kc_frame.asp?kc_ident=kc0001&loc=1

Posted 04/16/2009:
Letter from CMS’s National Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) re inappropriate use of the Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN) for claims denials based on CCI Medically Unlikely Edits (MUEs) rather than medical necessity.

Posted 04.15.09:
New Provider Authentication Requirements for Medicare Contractor Provider Telephone and Written Inquiries http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM6139.pdf

Posted 02.20.2009:
Internet-based Medicare Enrollment

Tips for Enrolling in Medicare

Posted 9.17.2008:
Reporting Responsibilities for Individual Physicians Enrolled in the Medicare Program

Reporting Responsibilities for Physician Group Practices Enrolled in the Medicare Program