CMS’ Final Physician Fee Schedule Rule Has Health IT Implications

In July, CMS released a proposed rule with several health IT implications, including requirements for electronic health records, physician quality reporting and telehealth (iHealthBeat, 7/10).

Details of Health IT Provisions

Under the final rule, federally qualified health centers and rural clinics will be required to use certified EHR technology to receive reimbursements for treating patients with at least two chronic conditions (“Morning eHealth,” Politico, 7/10).

In addition, CMS added new telemedicine codes that will take effect in 2016:

• 99356 and 99357 for prolonged inpatient or observation care; and
• 90963 through 90966 for services related to home dialysis for patients with end-stage renal disease.

Under the final rule, CMS also adds certified registered nurse anesthetists to Medicare’s list of qualified telehealth providers for health care services (CMS final rule, 10/30). For the full article click here 

 

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