HCCIntel: Training & Education

With many changes coming out recently from CMS, providers and practices can find it difficult to keep track. So, HCCI is providing the following clarifications about one set of changes that has been creating significant confusion among house call providers. The new CMS 2021 documentation guidelines for the...

As the Public Health Emergency (PHE) continues, providers and practices are now challenged to receive, prepare, and administer vaccines to home-limited patients. Here is a list of reliable resources that practices can reference to stay informed on the most current guidelines: Clinical References CDC Vaccinating Homebound Persons...

Coordinating acute or urgent visit requests in an HBPC practice is essential to helping medically complex patients avoid hospitalizations and unnecessary emergency department (ED) visits. Consider these strategies for taking unexpected schedule changes in stride: Develop a clear system for triaging patients to ensure the appropriate clinical staff...

Efficiency is key to the well-being of your HBPC practice. Here are some strategies for boosting efficiency: Understand and document current workflows and processes to avoid task duplication Create an effective intake process that collects necessary information and forms, and introduces services, so providers can focus on patient care...

About this Article: A growing evidence base shows that home-based primary care (HBPC) improves quality of care and promotes aging in place while reducing overall healthcare costs. Being able to access and use this information to demonstrate value to payers and other stakeholders is critical for HBPC practices...

On July 30th, 2020, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that it will begin paying qualified healthcare professionals (i.e., MD, NP, PA, CNS, CNM) for counseling services provided to traditional Medicare beneficiaries when related to the administration of a COVID-19 test. Clinicians are advised...

On July 21, 2020, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a new 10-week, virtual peer-to-peer learning community entitled, HHS Telemedicine Hack. The training was developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness Response (ASPR),...

The medical necessity of a service is the overarching criterion for payment in addition to the individual requirements of a CPT  (Current Procedural Terminology) code. Documentation of medical necessity should do the following: Identify a specific medical reason or focus for the visit (e.g., worsening or new symptoms)...

Telehealth is an important clinical delivery model, especially for home-based providers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some practical implementation considerations: Practice Implementation Consider current and future COVID-related workflow needs when selecting a technology vendor Train staff by conducting mock virtual visits among team members Develop documentation templates...

Interdisciplinary team (IDT) meetings improve staff communication, encourage teamwork, and promote optimal patient care and outcomes within house call programs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, IDT meetings are especially important for maintaining team cohesiveness. Following a structured meeting agenda can help maximize IDT meeting effectiveness. In addition, brief staff huddles...