News and Updates: 2023
Midwest AAOE members have access to the e-newsletter archive filled with more articles of interest, upcoming events, and society updates. Contact Midwest AAOE today for access
June 2023
New DEA Education Requirement effective June 27, 2023
The new education requirement for all DEA-registered practitioners to complete 8 hours of training on “the treatment and management of patients with opioid or other substance use disorders” is effective June 27, 2023. AAOS has created a member resource center to help you meet this requirement. Click here to view.
February 2023
HHS Office for Civil Rights Delivers Annual Reports to Congress on HIPAA Compliance and Breaches of Unsecured Protected Health Information
To help regulated entities better comply with the requirements of the HIPAA Privacy, Security, and Breach Notification Rules, the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is sharing two Reports to Congress for 2021, on HIPAA Privacy, Security, and Breach Notification Rule Compliance and Breaches of Unsecured Protected Health Information. These reports, delivered to Congress, may benefit regulated entities to assist in their HIPAA compliance efforts. Click here to continue reading and view the reports.
Over 35 Million Prior Authorization Requests Were Submitted to Medicare Advantage Plans in 2021
by Jeannie Fuglesten Biniek and Nolan Sroczynski, KHN
While prior authorization has long been used as a tool to contain spending and prevent people from receiving unnecessary or low-value services, there are some concerns that current prior authorization requirements and processes may create barriers and delays to receiving necessary care, as well as exacerbate complexity for patients and their providers.
In response to these concerns, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published two proposed rules in December 2022 that include provisions related to prior authorization requirements (among other policy changes). Click here to continue reading.
by Jeannie Fuglesten Biniek and Nolan Sroczynski, KHN
While prior authorization has long been used as a tool to contain spending and prevent people from receiving unnecessary or low-value services, there are some concerns that current prior authorization requirements and processes may create barriers and delays to receiving necessary care, as well as exacerbate complexity for patients and their providers.
In response to these concerns, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published two proposed rules in December 2022 that include provisions related to prior authorization requirements (among other policy changes). Click here to continue reading.
January 2023
DMEPOS Update: 10 New Items Require F2F Encounter & Written Order Prior to Delivery
As reported last year, CMS phased in new Face to Face Encounter and Written Order Prior to Delivery requirements for designated DMEPOS items. Items on this list require a complete order prior to delivery of the item to the patient. Previously, written orders were required prior to claim submission. Additionally, items on this list may only be ordered if a face-to-face encounter has occurred with the ordering practitioner within 6 months of the order.
Review the updated list effective April 17, 2023 that includes common knee, back and foot/ankle braces
As reported last year, CMS phased in new Face to Face Encounter and Written Order Prior to Delivery requirements for designated DMEPOS items. Items on this list require a complete order prior to delivery of the item to the patient. Previously, written orders were required prior to claim submission. Additionally, items on this list may only be ordered if a face-to-face encounter has occurred with the ordering practitioner within 6 months of the order.
Review the updated list effective April 17, 2023 that includes common knee, back and foot/ankle braces
Weighing Risks of a Major Surgery: 7 Questions Older Americans Should Ask Their Surgeon
A recent Kaiser Health News article encourages older Americans to ask their surgeons 7 questions before deciding to proceed with major surgery. Surgeons and their teams should consider proactively addressing these questions for all patients to enhance the patient experience. Many patients leave medical appointments feeling overwhelmed and confused. Any physician who clearly communicates the answers to these questions will stand out as a positive exception.
A recent Kaiser Health News article encourages older Americans to ask their surgeons 7 questions before deciding to proceed with major surgery. Surgeons and their teams should consider proactively addressing these questions for all patients to enhance the patient experience. Many patients leave medical appointments feeling overwhelmed and confused. Any physician who clearly communicates the answers to these questions will stand out as a positive exception.
- What is the goal of this surgery?
- If things go well, what can I expect?
- If things don’t go well, what can I expect?
- Given my health, age and functional status, what’s the most likely outcome?
- What are the alternatives?
- What can I do to prepare myself?
- What will recovery look like?
