March 2021
Under President Biden’s direction, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) expanded the class of medical professionals and health-care students who may serve as vaccinators to include licensed doctors of podiatric medicine, recently retired podiatric physicians, and podiatric medical students. Read full article here, https://www.apma.org/News/NewsDetail.cfm?ItemNumber=44262
If you are interested in volunteering to administer the COVID-19 vaccine in Texas you can register with the DSHS here, https://www.texasdisastervolunteerregistry.org/index.php.
January 26, 2021
2021 CMS FEE SCHEDULE
In the most recent COVID Relief bill signed into law, congress passed legislation that mitigates the budget neutrality cuts that would have resulted in a 10.2% decrease in Medicare payment rates. This decrease has been replaced with a 3.75% increase across the board and this has been updated in the 2021 MFS. Additionally, congress has extended the suspension period for the 2% payment adjustment (sequestration) until March 31, 2021. Now that is an encouraging start to 2021.
2021 Novitas Fee Schedule: https://www.novitas-solutions.com/webcenter/portal/MedicareJH/FeeLookup
December 15, 2020
On November 23, 2020, the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation passed an emergency rule related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under this rule, all TDLR licensees with a renewable license that expired between August 1 and November 30, 2020 are considered to hold an emergency license valid for up to 120 days after their license expiration date.
This extra time is to allow those who are waiting for their license to be renewed by TDLR to continue working with a valid license as TDLR navigates workflow challenges brought on by COVID-19.
Current license expiration dates will not change, and any late fees accrued will not be waived. All licensees should still renew their licenses in accordance with their regular expiration dates.
TDLR will not issue printed emergency licenses, and licensees are not required to post or display proof of an emergency license. Anyone needing verification or authorization for an emergency license should be directed to the emergency license webpage.
Please note:
Questions? Contact osc@tdlr.texas.gov.
October 26, 2020
HHS EXPANDS RELIEF FUND ELIGIBILITY AND UPDATES REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), is announcing the latest Provider Relief Fund (PRF) application period has been expanded to include provider applicants such as residential treatment facilities, chiropractors, and eye and vision providers that have not yet received Provider Relief Fund distributions. On October 1, 2020, HHS announced it would be making up to $20 billion in new Phase 3 General Distribution funding available for providers on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic. HHS is also focused on ensuring the safe continuity of all types of health care delivery despite this pandemic. As such, the Administration is committed to providing relief resources in an equitable manner to assist the diverse health care provider community regardless of whether they accept Medicare or Medicaid payments. HHS is also announcing it will be updating its most recent PRF reporting instructions to broaden use of provider relief funds.
“We have worked closely with stakeholders across the healthcare system to ensure that the Provider Relief Fund reaches all American healthcare providers that have been impacted by the pandemic,” said HHS Secretary Alex Azar. “Today, we are expanding the pool of eligible providers to include a broader array of practices, such as residential treatment facilities, chiropractors, and vision care providers that may not have already received payments.”
Under the Phase 3 General Distribution, which began accepting applicants on October 5, 2020, HHS invited providers that had already received PRF payments to apply for additional funding that considers changes in patient care operating revenue and expenses caused by the coronavirus. HHS also expanded the list of eligible applicants to providers who had not previously received PRF payments, including behavioral health providers known to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and certain providers who began practicing in 2020. Still, pandemic related needs across the entirety of the provider community remains high. HHS has designed the PRF program to be agile and responsive to the unique and dynamic challenges this virus presents to the health care ecosystem. Important to this approach is maintaining an open line of communication with providers and provider organizations, members of Congress, and state and local officials. As HHS receives input and feedback on needs caused by the coronavirus pandemic, it has tried to respond.
Newly Eligible Phase 3 General Distribution Providers
Today, HHS is expanding the pool of eligible Phase 3 applicants to include providers across a broad category of practices. Many providers who accept Medicare and Medicaid within these categories have already received a PRF payment, but others have not and HHS is working to ensure even more providers are able to receive Phase 3 funding. The list below includes eligible practices where providers may now apply for Phase 3 funding regardless of whether they accept Medicaid or Medicare.
(For a detailed description of all eligible Phase 3 General Distribution provider types, visit the PRF website.)
These providers and all Phase 3 applicants will have until 11:59PM EST on November 6, 2020 to submit their applications for payment consideration. Once validated, these providers will receive a baseline payment of approximately 2% of annual revenue from patient care plus an add-on payment that considers changes in operating revenues and expenses from patient care, including expenses incurred related to coronavirus. All payment recipients will be required to attest to receiving the Phase 3 General Distribution payment and accept the associated Terms and Conditions.
Reporting Requirements Update
HHS is committed to distributing PRF funds in a way that is fast, fair, simple and transparent. In September, HHS published final reporting guidance to set expectations for PRF payment recipients. In providing this guidance, HHS also updated its Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to clarify that for purposes of relief payments for lost revenues attributable to COVID-19, recipients must submit information showing a negative change in year-over-year net patient care operating income. This definition sought to balance fairness and establish guardrails to restrict some providers from receiving distributions that would make them more profitable than they were before the pandemic.
As providers, provider organizations, and members of Congress familiarized themselves with the reporting requirements, HHS received feedback from many voicing concerns regarding this approach to permissible uses of PRF money. In response to concerns raised, HHS is amending the reporting instructions to increase flexibility around how providers can apply PRF money toward lost revenues attributable to coronavirus. After reimbursing healthcare related expenses attributable to coronavirus that were unreimbursed by other sources, providers may use remaining PRF funds to cover any lost revenue, measured as a negative change in year-over-year actual revenue from patient care related sources.
A policy memorandum on the reporting requirement decision can be found here – PDF*.
The amended reporting requirements guidance can be found here – PDF.*
For updates and to learn more about the Provider Relief Program, visit: hhs.gov/providerrelief.
*This content is in the process of Section 508 review. If you need immediate assistance accessing this content, please submit a request to digital@hhs.gov.
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June 25, 2020
GOVERNOR ABBOT ISSUES EXECUTIVE ORDER EXPANDING HOSPITAL CAPACITY
Governor Greg Abbott today issued an Executive Order to ensure hospital bed availability for COVID-19 patients as Texas faces an increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. The Governor’s order suspends elective surgeries at hospitals in Bexar, Dallas, Harris, and Travis counties. Under this order, the Governor directs all hospitals in these counties to postpone all surgeries and procedures that are not immediately, medically necessary to correct a serious medical condition or to preserve the life of a patient who without immediate performance of the surgery or procedure would be at risk for serious adverse medical consequences or death, as determined by the patient’s physician.
Through proclamation, the Governor can add or subtract from the list of counties included in the Executive Order to address surges in hospitalizations that may arise in other parts of the state.
“As Texas faces a rise in COVID-19 cases, we are focused on both slowing the spread of this virus and maintaining sufficient hospital capacity for COVID-19 patients,” said Governor Abbott. “These four counties have experienced significant increases in people being hospitalized due to COVID-19 and today’s action is a precautionary step to help ensure that the hospitals in these counties continue to have ample supply of available beds to treat COVID-19 patients. As we work to contain this virus, I urge all Texans to do their part to help contain the spread by washing their hands regularly, wearing a mask, and practicing social distancing.”
View the Governor’s Executive Order
April 23, 2020
Governor Abbott’s third Executive Order (GA-15) relates to hospital capacity and personal protective equipment (PPE) needed for the COVID-19 response. The order loosens restrictions on surgeries put in place by Governor Abbott in March. Beginning at 11:59pm on April 21 through 11:59pm on May 8, all licensed health care professionals and all licensed health care facilities must continue to postpone all surgeries and procedures that are not medically necessary to diagnose or correct a serious medical condition of, or to preserve the life of, a patient who without timely performance of the surgery or procedure would be at risk for serious adverse medical consequences or death as determined by a patient’s physician. Exceptions now include:
April 14, 2020
INITIAL $30 BILLION OF CARES ACT PROVIDER RELIEF FUNDING—NOW BEING DELIVERED
As a result of the concerns raised by APMA, AMA, and other medical societies, HHS has updated the terms and conditions of the provider relief fund as well as the guidance provided on its website.
The relevant language in the terms and conditions now states that “[t]he Recipient certifies that it…provides or provided after January 31, 2020 diagnoses, testing, or care for individuals with possible or actual cases of COVID-19…” (Emphasis added). According to HHS guidance, offices that closed are eligible to receive the funds, and HHS takes a broad view that every patient could be a possible COVID-19 patient for purposes of providers being eligible for these funds.
Specifically, HHS states,
“If you ceased operation as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, you are still eligible to receive funds so long as you provided diagnoses, testing, or care for individuals with possible or actual cases of COVID-19. Care does not have to be specific to treating COVID-19. HHS broadly views every patient as a possible case of COVID-19.”
APMA believes that this clarification should satisfy many of the questions and concerns raised by members. We encourage members to read the terms and conditions closely before attesting, and seek guidance from their legal counsel if necessary. The attestation portal should be made available this week at www.hhs.gov/providerrelief.
Updated HHS guidance: https://www.hhs.gov/provider-relief/index.html
Updated Terms and Conditions: https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/relief-fund-payment-terms-and-conditions-04132020.pdf
April 7, 2020
DEA RELEASES GUIDELINES REGARDING PRESCRIBING CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES:
CORONAVIRUS AID, RELIEF, AND ECONOMIC SECURITY ACT (CARES ACT): KEY PROVISIONS FOR HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS
While the business and personal relief provisions of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) are understandably receiving the greatest coverage in the immediate aftermath of the bill’s signing, the CARES Act also contains substantial support for the expansion of the health care delivery system to meet the enormous stress that is now beginning to overwhelm the system. The CARES Act provisions range from expansive financial relief for health care providers to a waiver of copays and deductibles for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. The vast majority of the statutory provisions are temporary, effective only during the COVID-19 emergency, and many of them will require the issuance of regulations and/or administrative guidance in order to implement them.
Read More
CMS OFFERING ADVANCED PAYMENT PROGRAM (WITH FACT SHEET)
CMS RAPIDLY EXPANDS HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE
Local private practice clinicians and their trained staff may be available for temporary employment since nonessential medical and surgical services are postponed during the public health emergency. CMS’s temporary requirements allow hospitals and health care systems to increase their workforce capacity by removing barriers for physicians, nurses, and other clinicians to be readily hired from the local community, as well as those licensed from other states without violating Medicare rules.
These health care workers can then perform the functions they are qualified and licensed for, while awaiting completion of federal paperwork requirements. CMS is issuing waivers so that hospitals can use other practitioners, such as physician assistants and nurse practitioners, to the fullest extent possible, in accordance with a state’s emergency preparedness or pandemic plan. These clinicians can perform services such as order tests and medications that may have previously required a physician’s order where this is permitted under state law. CMS is waiving the requirements that a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is under the supervision of a physician. This will allow CRNAs to function to the fullest extent allowed by the state and free up physicians from the supervisory requirement and expand the capacity of both CRNAs and physicians.
CMS also is issuing a blanket waiver to allow hospitals to provide benefits and support to their medical staffs, such as multiple daily meals, laundry service for personal clothing, or child care services while the physicians and other staff are at the hospital and engaging in activities that benefit the hospital and its patients. CMS will also allow health care providers (clinicians, hospitals and other institutional providers, and suppliers) to enroll in Medicare temporarily to provide care during the public health emergency.
Read more about emergency declaration waivers here
TELEHEALTH SERVICES
Sometime in the afternoon on April 1st, CMS made a change to requirements for claims submission when billing for telehealth services (via an interim Final Rule). Previously DPMs were instructed to bill place of service 02 (Telehealth) with no modifier (along with the appropriate code depicting the type of service provided; real-time communication, telephone, check-in or e-visit). Now, DPMs have been instructed to use the place of service code depicting if this would have been a patient treated in the office, a hospital consult, skilled facility visit, etc. (example: 11 for office) along with modifier 95. Claims previously submitted with POS 02 and no modifier will be rejected and should be re-submitted.
(This will be retroactive to March 1st – so denied claims will have to be refiled once Novitas is on-board allowing DPMs to file these telehealth claims.)
TELEHEALTH RESOURCES
Can also be found on the APMA COVID-19 resource page
APMA WEBINAR: SBA LOANS, PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM, AND OTHER RESOURCES FOR YOUR PRACTICE
Tuesday, April 7, 5 pm ET
Register now, space is limited!
The impact of COVID-19 on our economy and individual businesses has prompted a response from the government in the form of loans, federal stimulus, and information about tax filings and payments. APMA anticipates many podiatry practices will wish to take advantage of these options.
Join Mike Trabert, CPA, CVA, CMAP, CEPA, CM&AA, Dawn Minotas, CPA, MBA, Maryann Czarnota, CPA, MST, CFF, CVA, CFFA, CDFA, CEPA, MAFF, and Dave Mustin, MBA, partners with Marcum Accountants and Advisors’ Advisory Services group, for a critical presentation on preserving value in times of crisis. If you are unable to make the webinar this evening, a recording will be available to APMA members.
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March 27, 2020
It is with deep regret we inform you of the cancellation of the 2020 TPMA Annual Conference & Business Meeting scheduled for June 25-28, 2020 at The Woodlands Resort in The Woodlands, TX. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, The Woodlands Resort made the difficult decision to temporarily suspend operations at their hotel and restaurants through at least July 1, 2020.
Please know that during these challenging times we appreciate you, we’re here for you and together we will all get through this. That said, we are looking forward to coming together again at the 2020 Southwest Foot & Ankle Conference (SWFAC) at the Irving Convention Center in Irving, TX on September 24-26. We hope you will join us!
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March 24, 2020
As the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the TPMA will continue to share important information with you and guidance for your practice and patients during this challenging time. To help with disseminating information, both the TPMA and the APMA have created a dedicated COVID-19 resource page on their websites.
www.txpma.org/covid19/ and www.apma.org/covid19
GOVERNOR ABBOTT SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER
Governor Greg Abbott signed an Executive Order on March 22, 2020. Under this order, the Governor directed all licensed health care professionals and facilities to postpone all surgeries and procedures that are not immediately, medically necessary to correct a serious medical condition or to preserve the life of a patient who without immediate performance of the surgery or procedure would be at risk for serious adverse medical consequences or death, as determined by the patient’s physician. This does not apply to any procedure that, if performed in accordance with the commonly accepted standard of clinical practice, would not deplete the hospital capacity or the personal protective equipment needed to cope with the COVID-19 disaster. Read about the order here.
NON-URGENT ELECTIVE SURGERIES
The Texas Medical Board (TMB) gives guidance on the scheduling of non-urgent elective surgeries and procedures during the Texas Disaster Declaration for COVID-19 pandemic.
http://www.tmb.state.tx.us/idl/05863196-2EC6-BE0E-3036-910D363B6C25
Also, available on the TMB website is a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page regarding non-urgent, elective surgeries and procedures during the Texas Disaster Declaration for COVID-19 pandemic.
http://www.tmb.state.tx.us/idl/9AA8EB08-75BA-78F1-CA20-1C0431221310
TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE EMERGENCY RULES
The Commissioner of Insurance adopts new rule 28 TAC §35.1, concerning Telemedicine and Telehealth Services, on an emergency basis, effective immediately. The emergency adoption is necessary to ensure adequate access to telemedicine and telehealth service in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The new rule is intended to reduce these barriers and expand telemedicine by implementing parity with payment and documentation requirements applicable to in person services. Under the rule, services that are the same must be reimbursed at the same rate whether provided in-person or through telemedicine or telehealth. Similarly, the new rule does not permit health benefit plans to require documentation for telemedicine or telehealth services beyond what the plan already requires for in-person services. https://www.tdi.texas.gov/rules/2020/documents/20206287.pdf
NOTIFICATION FROM U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES FOR TELEHEALTH REMOTE COMMUNICATIONS AND HIPAA COMPLIANCE
During the COVID-19 national emergency, covered health care providers subject to HIPAA Rules may seek to communicate with patients, and provide telehealth services, through remote communications technologies. The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) will exercise its enforcement discretion and will not impose penalties for noncompliance with the regulatory requirements under the HIPAA Rules against covered health care providers in connection with the good faith provision of telehealth during the COVID-19 nationwide public health emergency. A covered health care provider that wants to use audio or video communication technology to provide telehealth to patients during the COVID-19 nationwide public health emergency can use any non-public facing remote communication product that is available to communicate with patients. Read full article
SEVERAL TEXAS COUNTIES ISSUE SHELTER-IN-PLACE
Gov. Greg Abbott has left it to local officials to impose stay-at-home orders, and Dallas County was among the first to do so. All elective medical, surgical, and dental procedures are prohibited. Individuals may leave their residence only to perform essential activities, which include visiting a health care professional when care is essential to their health and safety. Check your local listings for up-to-date information and guidelines.
SUGGESTED STATEMENT TO YOUR PATIENTS AND BEST PRACTICES FOR YOUR MEDICAL CLINIC
As all of you, we continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic. We want to bring everyone up to speed on our plan over the next several weeks to months as this is an ever-changing situation. As a trusted and leading health care provider, our goal is to ensure you can continue receiving care with the confidence that we have taken every precaution necessary regarding your safety while in our offices.
APMLE UPDATE
Prometric, the provider of the APMLE for the podiatric medicine program has closed testing centers in the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit the Prometric webpage.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON COVID-19
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March 20, 2020
Dear member,
As the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the Texas Podiatric Medical Association wants to share some important information with you and guidance for your practice during this challenging time. Below are some links that we hope will help you deal with the current situation.
Many podiatrists are searching for answers about how to address COVID-19 in their practices and personal lives. TPMA/APMA is here to help by directing you to the most authoritative and timely news and tools. These resources are available on APMA’s COVID-19 resource page at www.apma.org/covid19 as well as an FAQ page.
PODIATRISTS CAN PROVIDE E/M SERVICES REMOTELY
A resource that may be of interest to you are APMA-developed resources on providing telehealth services. You may need to provide Telephone Services and Online Digital Evaluation and Management Services during this time. CMS has announced major changes to services that podiatrists can furnish remotely under the 1135 waiver authority and Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act. This waiver allows Medicare to pay for office, hospital, and other visits furnished via telehealth. This change means podiatrists can submit CPT 99201–99215 when these services are provided remotely. Watch APMA’s webinar for guidance on coding, compliance, and documentation for these service types. As of today, telehealth can be provided for Medicare Part B (Fee for Service) and Medicare Advantage plans only. Rules and Regulations change from day to day so stay tuned for updates.
Additionally, there may be upcoming issues with patients requiring “covered routine foot care” (RFC) and/or diabetic therapeutic shoes (DTS). With regard to the RFC and DTS it is APMA’s understanding that, “DME CMD’s suggest that CMS is having discussions with all the CMD’s on many of the policy issues given that it is not possible for most folks to get into their PCP offices right now. Priority for ill patients not for those who need to be certified for shoes or routine foot care must be given.
Some coders have also suggested that if possible (based on the patient’s history, physical finding, diagnoses and the Novitas Solution’s LCD on RFG) to use non-asterisk (*) diagnoses as these do not require the patient to be seen by their attending within the past six months. This is just a suggestion and may not be appropriate for every patient’s situation. There is also the possibility that these patients can be scheduled farther out after the virus situation and the social distancing is no longer a problem.
THE FAMILIES FIRST CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE ACT WAS SIGNED INTO LAW ON MARCH 18, 2020
In the coming days and weeks, federal regulatory agencies, including the Department of Labor (DOL) and Health and Human Services (HHS), will provide guidance on how to execute or implement the new requirements. In the meantime, employers and advisors must rely on a good faith interpretation of the act’s text. View the Families First Act
ADDITIONAL LINKS:
TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES
TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION
CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION (CDC)
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO)
JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY & MEDICINE
CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES
TEXAS WORKFORCE COMMISSION
CYBERSECURITY
Stay well and safe,
Melinda Daise
Executive Director
Steven P. Brancheau
Chief Medical Officer
