National Mental Health Awareness Month Highlights Preventive Care Access
During National Mental Health Awareness Month, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is encouraging providers to prioritize mental health and preventive care services for Medicare patients. CMS emphasized that mental health plays a major role in healthy aging and overall quality of life, while also reminding providers that many Medicare preventive services are available to patients at no cost when assignment is accepted.
CMS also highlighted several behavioral health resources, including Medicare mental health coverage information, Behavioral Health Integration Services guidance, and preventive screening tools designed to support patient care and early intervention.
Resource: National Mental Health Awareness Month
CMS Revises Acute Kidney Injury & ESRD Billing Guidance
CMS announced updates to billing requirements involving acute kidney injury and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) claims by adding HCPCS code G0491 to hemodiafiltration billing guidance. The revision affects providers submitting claims related to acute kidney injury dialysis services and is intended to clarify appropriate reporting requirements moving forward.
Resource: Acute Kidney Injury & ESRD Billing: Ending the AX Modifier Requirement – Revised
CMS Releases Preliminary Ambulatory Specialty Model Participant List
CMS published the preliminary participant list for the mandatory Ambulatory Specialty Model (ASM) beginning with the 2027 performance year. The model focuses on specialists treating Medicare patients with conditions such as low back pain and heart failure in outpatient settings.
Providers identified as ASM participants may see future Medicare Part B payment adjustments tied to performance measures and reporting activities. CMS also released additional readiness resources, FAQs, and implementation guidance to help organizations prepare for participation.
Resource: CMS Identifies Participants in Mandatory Ambulatory Specialty Model
OIG Report Raises Concerns About Remote Patient Monitoring Compliance
A new report from the Office of Inspector General found that many Medicare beneficiaries receiving remote patient monitoring services may not have received all required service components. According to the report, roughly 43% of reviewed cases were missing at least one required element, prompting recommendations for increased oversight.
CMS is reminding providers to review remote patient monitoring billing and documentation requirements carefully to ensure services are used and billed appropriately under Medicare guidelines.
Resource: Remote Patient Monitoring: Use & Bill Correctly
CDC Issues Advisory on Multi-country Hantavirus Cluster
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a Health Alert Network advisory regarding a newly identified multi-country hantavirus cluster connected to cruise ship travel. The cases involve Andes virus infections, which can lead to severe respiratory illness and may be fatal.
While the CDC noted the risk of widespread transmission within the United States remains very low, healthcare providers and laboratories are being advised to remain aware of potential imported cases and follow updated testing and biosafety recommendations.
Resource: 2026 Multi-country Hantavirus Cluster Linked to Cruise Ship