New Telemedicine Modifier is Effective as of Jan. 1, 2022

At the September 2021 CPT Editorial Panel Meeting, a new modifier was accepted to describe real-time telemedicine services between a patient and a physician or other qualified health care professional rendered via audio-only.  This new modifier became effective Jan. 1, 2022.

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Surgeon General's Toolkit Addresses Health Misinformation

Preventing and addressing health misinformation is a top priority for Surgeon General Vivek Murthy. Through a new toolkit, he warns the American public about the urgent threat of health misinformation and calls for a whole-of-society approach to address health misinformation during the pandemic and beyond. 

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AMA Creates No Surprises Act Toolkit

The American Medical Association (AMA) created a toolkit for physicians on implementation of the No Surprises Act (NSA). Many provisions took effect on January 1, and this document provides guidance on several of those provisions. 

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CMS Releases Guidance on Omnibus COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination Interim Final Rule

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released guidance on the Omnibus COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination Interim Final Rule that was published on Nov. 5, 2021. The emergency regulation requires vaccinations for eligible staff at health care facilities participating in the Medicare and Medicaid programs in 25 states.  

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ODH Announces Release of Two Drug Overdose Data Reports

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) recently announced that two reports have been posted to its Violence & Injury Prevention Section website, covering 2020 Ohio Drug Overdose data.  

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 FDA Authorizes Two Oral Antiviral Treatments for COVID-19

Two oral antiviral treatments for COVID-19 recently received emergency use authorization by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA): Pfizer’s Paxlovid tablets and Merck's molnupiravir capsules.

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February is American Heart Month, a time when all people can focus on their cardiovascular health.

We are helping shine a light on hypertension, a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke. We know you’re busy! We can help. Use these toolkits developed by CDC to implement evidence-based hypertension control strategies.

Help is on the Way

The US Department of Health & Human Services announced it will be disbursing an additional $2 billion in Provider Relief Fund Phase 4 payments this week. Like the payments allocated in December, these payments will be based on lost revenues and increased expenses due to COVID-19 and will be made to physicians who previously applied for relief funds.