Comments due today - AHCCCS Proposed Changes to APSI Program
The Arizona Health Care Cost and Containment System (AHCCCS) has proposed changes under expedited review to the Access to Professional Service Initiative (APSI). APSI is designed to promote access to medical services through a uniform percentage increase to contractors’ rates for professional services provided by qualified physicians and non-physician professionals affiliated with certain hospitals. In the proposals, AHCCCS seeks to clarify that APSI is included in contractors’ capitation rates for CYE19 only. The deadline to comment on the proposed changes under expedited review is today, August 20. Read
CMS issues new requirement for DRG add-on
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updated its guidance this week related to the 20% inpatient prospective payment system (PPS) diagnosis-related group rate add-on for patients diagnosed with COVID-19. For inpatient admissions occurring on or after September 1, claims eligible for the 20% add-on will be required to have a positive COVID-19 laboratory test documented in patients’ medical records. The test may be performed either during the hospital admission or prior to the hospital admission. Read
CMS resumes routine inspections of all providers and suppliers
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced Monday it will resume routine inspections of all Medicare- and Medicaid-certified providers and suppliers that were previously suspended as part of its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the guidance, CMS directed the resumption of onsite revisit surveys, non-immediate jeopardy complaint surveys and annual recertification surveys as soon as resources are available. Read
AzHHA's Affiliated Partners Program welcomes Adaptive Workforce Solutions as its newest member
The AzHHA Affiliated Partners Program is pleased to announce Adaptive Workforce Solutions (WFS) as its newest member. AdaptiveWFS combines best practices of People, Process, and Technology through their Managed Services Provider Program and third-party, web-based Vendor Management Software (VMS). Collaborating along with Hospital Associations across the Country, AdaptiveWFS offers their Members a unique client-centered philosophy that has successfully launched many MSP solutions that extend beyond traditional MSP/VMS partnerships. Read
Upcoming Events
August 21 - CMS lessons from the front lines
CMS hosts varied recurring stakeholder engagement sessions to share information related to the agency’s response to COVID-19. These sessions are open to members of the healthcare community and are intended to provide updates, share best practices among peers, and offer attendees an opportunity to ask questions of CMS and other subject matter experts.
Toll-Free Attendee Dial-In: 833-614-0820 | Access Passcode: 5956858
Audio Webcast Link: https://engage.vevent.com/index.jsp?eid=5779&seid=2381#/main/simplify
August 25 - Overview of ASU’s Palliative Care; AZPHC Program
ASU College of Health Care Solutions wants to enhance provider capacity in the use of palliative care best practices to better diagnose, manage and provide quality care for patients with complex serious illness through its Palliative Care ECHO. Palliative Care ECHO is a virtual learning series held every other Tuesday through October 2021 to discuss emerging best-practices for patients with complex serious illness and engage in case-based learning with palliative care experts.
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