August 2021 Client Newsletter

Cognitive Assessment

 

The past few months we have received several client inquiries about CMS’s requirements for Cognitive Assessment.  Note that if you do screen for cognitive impairment and observe it, you can then provide additional services 99483 – Medicare Allowed = $307.11) which is subject to deductible and coinsurance.  

 

Annual Wellness Visits (AWV) are not subject to deductibles nor coinsurance – payment in full.  If you are not doing AWVs now, and would like to increase your income, you should seriously consider adding them to your practice.

 

Here is the CMS webpage.  Cognitive Assessment & Care Plan Services | CMS

 

Feel free to call with any questions.  

 

PHE Extended

 

As was expected, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra once again renewed the public health emergency (PHE) for COVID-19, effective today, July 20, 2021. 

 

You can read the formal announcement here:  https://www.phe.gov/emergency/news/healthactions/phe/Pages/COVID-19July2021.aspx 

 

The extension will continue all telehealth waivers and other flexibilities pursuant to this determination. As with previous determinations, the renewed PHE will end 90 days after its effective date on Monday, Oct. 18, 2021, unless it is further extended. 

 

The Biden Administration has indicated that it intends to continue renewing the COVID-19 PHE at least for the remainder of 2021 and to provide the healthcare community with 60 days' notice prior to allowing the PHE to lapse.

Please contact me with any questions.