COVID-19 Resource Catalog-CMS Posts Letter to Clinicians to Summarize Actions CMS Has Taken to Ensure Clinicians Have Maximum Flexibility to Reduce Unnecessary Barriers to Providing Patient Care

CMS Posts Letter to Clinicians to Summarize Actions CMS Has Taken to Ensure Clinicians Have Maximum Flexibility to Reduce Unnecessary Barriers to Providing Patient Care

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Pdf Summary

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is providing flexibility and assistance to healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Accelerated and advanced payments are available to providers and suppliers who meet certain criteria. Testing and claims reporting for COVID-19 should follow the guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Medicare telehealth visits are now allowed in broadened circumstances, and popular video chat applications can be used for telehealth services. Virtual check-ins and e-visits are also covered by Medicare. CMS has added many new services to the list of telehealth services available during the pandemic. Workforce flexibilities have been implemented to allow non-physician practitioners to expand their scope of practice. The 2019 MIPS data submission deadline has been extended by 30 days. Many waivers and flexibilities have been authorized to make it easier for clinicians and facilities to provide care. Frequently asked questions and clinical and technical guidance resources are available to assist providers. Providers are encouraged to protect vulnerable patients, develop plans for positive or potential positive patients, and consider alternative means of seeing patients. It is important to stay aware of influenza activity and review OSHA's preparedness guidelines. Providers should also discuss plans to delay elective procedures or visits with their healthcare facility or system.

Keywords

CMS

COVID-19 pandemic

accelerated payments

telehealth visits

virtual check-ins

workforce flexibilities

MIPS data submission

waivers and flexibilities

influenza activity

elective procedures