Global Surgery Reporting and New HCPCS Coding Determinations
Resource: MLN Connects® Newsletter
CMS Updates Practices on MIPS, MVPs and Upcoming QPP Changes
CMS is asking MIPS-reporting practices to complete a voluntary survey about their experience with MIPS Value Pathways (MVPs), whether they reported an MVP for 2025, are preparing for 2026, or have not yet adopted an MVP. The survey takes about 15 minutes, and eligible clinicians may receive Improvement Activity credit for participating. CMS also expects to release 2025 MIPS final scores by late September 2026, followed by the Targeted Review period for practices that believe their…
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CMS Finalizes FY 2027 Skilled Nursing Facility Payment and Quality Updates
CMS has released the FY 2027 Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Prospective Payment System Final Rule, which includes a 2.4% payment rate increase for SNFs beginning in fiscal year 2027. The rule also finalizes several updates to the Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program (QRP), including the removal of two COVID-19 vaccination measures, a shorter data submission timeframe beginning in FY 2029, and a new requirement for SNFs to submit Minimum Data Set (MDS) information for all residents…
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Ozwell AI Integrates with WebChart to Enhance Practice Efficiency
Ozwell AI (formerly BlueHive AI) is an AI-powered medical assistant that integrates with WebChart to help practices streamline documentation, automate routine tasks, and improve workflow efficiency without disrupting existing processes. Through its WebChart integration, providers can take advantage of features such as real-time medical transcription, AI-generated clinical notes, interactive voice response (IVR), and workflow automation directly within their EHR environment. Ozwell also offers virtual patient support for appointment scheduling, medication reminders, and patient education, along with clinical…
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U.S. Measles Cases Continue to Rise in 2026
The number of reported measles cases in the U.S. has already surpassed the total recorded during all of 2025, making 2026 the highest year for measles cases in more than three decades. Ongoing outbreaks in several states continue to drive case counts, highlighting the importance of staying informed on current public health guidance, vaccination recommendations, and outbreak updates. Resource: Number of measles cases in U.S. this year has already surpassed tally for all of 2025
6 New GLP-1 Findings to Know
As research on GLP-1 medications continues to evolve, new studies are providing insights into their potential benefits, risks, and long-term impact on patient care. Below are six recent findings healthcare providers should be aware of, with links to the full research for additional details. Resource: 6 GLP-1 findings to know
HCPCS Level II Q2 2026 Final Coding Determinations Released
CMS has released the final HCPCS Level II coding determinations for the Q2 2026 coding cycle. The update includes new HCPCS codes, revisions to existing codes, and CMS’ final decisions on submitted coding requests. Practices should review these changes to determine whether any updates may affect coding, billing, or reimbursement. The full determination document and the October 2026 HCPCS Quarterly Update file will be available on the CMS website. Resource: HCPCS Level II Coding Decisions
Senate Inquiry Focuses on AI Use in Medicare Advantage Prior Authorization
Two U.S. senators are requesting information from UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and CVS Health regarding their use of artificial intelligence and other automated technologies in Medicare Advantage prior authorization and post-acute care coverage decisions. The inquiry follows recent federal oversight reports that examined denial rates and prior authorization practices among Medicare Advantage plans. Lawmakers are seeking details on how these insurers use AI, algorithms, or predictive technologies to support coverage determinations, as well as the safeguards in place to…
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CMS Updates: Additional Medicare Billing and Coverage Reminders
CMS recently released several updates that may affect provider billing, compliance, and patient care. Highlights include: Resources: Optometry Services at Nursing Facilities: Bill Correctly Screening for Hepatitis C Virus in Adults National Coverage Determination: Using HCPCS Code G0567 HCPCS Codes Used for Home Health Consolidated Billing Enforcement: October 2026 Quarterly Update Hospice Claims: Reporting a Face-to-Face Encounter for Recertification Using Telecommunications Technology Domestically Acquired Cyclosporiasis Cases in Multiple U.S. States VA Payments: Enroll in Direct…
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CMS Releases New QPP Participation Data and 2027 QRDA III Reporting Resources
CMS has announced two important updates for practices participating in the Quality Payment Program (QPP) and Alternative Payment Models (APMs). The Quality Payment Program Participation Status Tool has been updated with the first 2026 snapshot of APM participation data, based on Medicare Part B claims from January 1 through March 31, 2026. Eligible clinicians should log into the QPP Portal to verify their information and confirm their Qualifying APM Participant (QP) or MIPS APM participation status. Providers who qualify as QPs may…
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Hospital Consolidation Continues Across the Southeast
Hospital acquisitions and partnerships continue across the Southeast as health systems respond to financial pressures, workforce shortages, and the need to preserve access to care. Here are seven notable developments affecting Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee: These ongoing transactions reflect the continued trend of regional health system expansion and may influence referral networks, service availability, and patient access throughout the Southeast. Resource: 27 academic health systems acquiring hospitals
CMS Proposes New Restrictions for Remote Patient Monitoring Services
CMS has proposed several changes to Medicare payment rules for remote physiologic monitoring (RPM) and remote therapeutic monitoring (RTM) as part of the 2027 Physician Fee Schedule. Here are six key takeaways: Practices that currently use outsourced RPM or RTM services should review the proposed rule and monitor future CMS updates to understand how these changes could affect their workflows and Medicare reimbursement. Resource: CMS proposes ban on third-party remote patient monitoring: 6 notes