Special Offer: For a limited time, new Vista Notes subscribers will receive a FREE copy of Andrea Stark's Billing Cheat Sheets with their first issue (a $150 value)!

In today's ever-changing Medicare industry, it's vital that DMEPOS providers stay well informed. With continually changing regulations and billing requirements, education is the key to survival in our industry.

Previously, staying educated meant taking the time to wade through countless Medicare announcements, publications and press releases. But with Andrea Stark's Vista Notes, you'll be able to stay informed without taking time away from other aspects of your business!

What can Vista Notes do for you?

Vista Notes is your one-stop-publication for important DMEPOS news. Each issue consists of in-depth, yet concise articles which clearly explain how important changes in Medicare affect your business.

And with Vista Notes, you get much more than regurgitated press releases. When writing each issue, Andrea utilizes her knowledge as a DMEPOS consultant to decipher which information is truly meaningful to providers and interprets any vague or confusing Medicare regulations in each of her easy-to-understand articles.

In short, you'll plainly see if and how Medicare changes impact your DMEPOS business.

But don't just take our word for it. See what our subscribers have to say:

"We rely on our Vista Notes to help us focus on what's truly important and what actions we need to take." - Paula Levin, National Home Respiratory Services

 

"The articles are concise and clear. Topics range from Medicare policy to politics, including current legislation and proposed legislation that affects our industry." - Andy Ingram, Home Assist Medical Equipment, Inc.

 

"The Notes put the regulations in an easy to read format and are explained in a way that even a novice could understand. I have used these Notes for many years and will continue to do so. They are a major part of our billing department." - Donna Richardson, AnMed Health

Read more testimonials here!

When writing Vista Notes, Andrea Stark utilizes both national and regional publications from CMS and all four DMERCs to ensure that suppliers are covered on all fronts.  
 

Click here to see a free sample of our last issue!

Vista Notes is currently published electronically, on a bi-monthly basis. A total of six issues are released each year. By purchasing an annual subscription below, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to MiraVista's terms of service.

Upon subscribing you will immediately receive the most current issue of Vista Notes: June, 2010.

Updated: May 7, 2010

With Billing Cheat Sheets, you'll always have critical Medicare billing information right at your fingertips! A collaboration between MiraVista and our sister company, ClaraVista, this 23-page document is perfect for those suppliers offering multiple DME who are looking for one, concise billing guide that covers it all.

Andrea’s Medicare Billing Cheat Sheets provide a breakdown of the following information for all major Medicare policies:

• Current diagnosis criteria
• CMN criteria
• Important coverage and documentation guidelines (broken down into a few critical sentences)
• Common HCPCS codes and modifiers

Before entering the Medicare program for the first time, re-enrolling or submitting a change of information, it’s important to make sure you’ve dotted all your 'i's and crossed all your 't’s. Submitting a clean application gives you a significant head start on your journey to enrollment in the Medicare program. This package will give you the guidance you need to ensure you have all the proper documentation and insight to licensure requirements.

This package contains everything you need to become a Medicare recognized provider of HME. Additionally, it prepares you for what an onsite inspector will look for, should an NSC or Overland Solutions representative show up at your door. (Please note: Anyone submitting a new application for enrollment after March 2008 is required to be accredited using one of the ten approved accreditation authorities prior to submitting the application.)

Andrea’s NSC Application Package includes the following:

A complete Medicare Enrollment Application

(Package includes revised CMS-855S)

Detailed instructions on how to document your existing TIN and NPI

A guide to Medicare DEMPOS supplier standards

A comprehensive documents checklist for completing the application

Tips on how to prepare for an on-site inspection

“To a man with a hammer, everything looks like a nail.” –Abraham Maslow

What we know is that we need billing talent. If we are unsatisfied with the result, we assume we do not have enough billing talent or the right kind of billing talent. Even the brightest billing staff, however, cannot effectively manage their operation with reimbursement expertise alone. A billing operation without process is like a one-tool toolbox; the hammer is a good tool, but when over utilized, it is ineffective and destructive. If you think you are frustrated, how do you think the hammer feels?

The good news is, you do not need more software, more people, or more complexity. Instead, you need to focus on building a strong billing process. Strong processes address the individually insignificant symptoms before they cause damage, allow the billing staff to use their skills to research and resolve issues that really matter, and allow operational managers and owners to evaluate performance in less than 15 minutes each day.

During this recording, we explore the fundamentals of having a strong billing process as the irreplaceable companion to reimbursement expertise and teach you how to:

• Flush out  process strengths and weaknesses simply...with a piece of paper and a crayon;
• Develop processes that reduce billing errors and the drag on your reimbursement talent;
• Assess performance and return on effort in real time.

This recording is jointly presented by Andrea Stark (the reimbursement talent) and Derrick Stark, CPA, CVA (the opposite) in a point/counter-point format that works through real world scenarios for building process into your billing department.

Simplify your billing operation, improve the results, reduce billing costs, and bridge the divide between billing-speak and the rest of your business.

Recorded: July 8, 2010

This recording is sponsored by:

With the increased focus on Medicare fraud, legitimate suppliers are finding themselves subject to undue scrutiny from heavy-handed audit contractors. However, by knowing what these contractors are looking for, you can take proactive measures to prepare for audits and help increase your chances of receiving a favorable decision.

During the first half of this recording, Andrea Stark provides an overview of what audit contractors are looking for when reviewing claims. Discussion includes:

• What DMEPOS claims are vulnerable to review;
• The state of on-going prepay reviews and audits;
• The top reasons for claim denials.

During the second half of this recording, Andrea will teach you how to:

• Effectively respond to written inquiries;
• Prepare for a potentially unexpected on-site visit;
• Put together a successful response package;
• Appeal unfavorable decisions;
• Implement strategies to reduce your risk of being audited again. 

This event generated a substantial number of questions from attendees. Due to time constraints, we were unable to address them all live. As a result, we are preparing a BONUS Q&A transcript of additional questions submitted by attendees during the live event and will send you a copy of the transcript once it becomes available. We expect the transcript to be completed within 1-2 weeks of the date of this recording.

Recorded: June 25, 2010

Medicare contractors have been instructed to crack-down on the legible physician signature requirement. That means even if you have everything you need to support your claim, it may still be denied upon review if your doctor signed a single CMN, written order or chart note with illegible hand writing (and we both know this happens all the time!).

This recording will teach you how to prepare for potential audits based on illegible physician signatures and the steps you can take now to prevent future denials, including:

• Current Medicare signature requirements;
• What constitutes an acceptable vs. unacceptable signature;
• Guidelines for signature logs and attestation statements;
• What documents must be signed and exceptions to the legible signature rule;
• What is required for Electronic Signatures;
• What happens if a contractor deems a signature illegible and the actions you can take.

Recorded: May 5, 2010

On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (H.R. 3590). The new healthcare bill contains many provisions that directly affect all DMEPOS.

This digital recording will inform you about the true impact H.R. 3590 will have on the DME industry and how to prepare for all of the changes to come.

• Will I really have to provide DME at Competitive Bid prices, even if I'm not in a bid area?
• Will certain pharmacies be able to stay in the game without accreditation?
• Is Medicare going to make me pay an application fee, now?
• Do I have to rent my power wheelchairs?
• Are there new face-to-face evaluation requirements for DME?
• What's the deal with the reduction in timely filing?
• What other surprises are in this healthcare bill that I should know about?

Recorded: April 13, 2010

This event generated a substantial number of questions from attendees. Due to time constraints, we were unable to address them all live. As a result, this recording includes both a copy of the webinar handouts and a BONUS Q&A transcript of additional questions submitted by attendees during the live event.

On March 5, 2010, the DME MACs issued a revised PAP LCD, effective April 1, 2010. Revisions made to the LCD include:   

• Specific coverage and physician documentation requirements that must be met before a patient may be upgraded from a CPAP to a Bi-Level device.
• Changes to PAP replacement guidelines.
• Updates to OSA testing devices/categories accepted by Medicare.

During this recording, Andrea Stark will teach you what you need to know to understand the new revisions and reduce potential rejections.

Along with the above revisions, the recording also highlights changes made to the PAP LCD on January 22, 2010, retroactive to January 1, 2010. Additional topics covered include: 

• The requirement for a credentialed physician to interpret OSA results.
• Coverage requirements for patients on PAPs prior to November 1, 2008.
• Time limits/date requirements for documentation proving medical necessity.
• Documentation of supply utilization and shipment/delivery limitations.

Recorded: April 29, 2010

Audits are unpleasant, time-consuming and costly. They happen to even the most successful and honest DMEPOS suppliers and usually without warning. In the event of a denial or an audit, there are several steps you can take to help turn rejections into collections.

• How to anticipate the various sources of audits and what they are looking for when reviewing your claims.
• How to effectively respond to written inquiries from a CERT, DME MAC, or RAC Contractor.
• What to expect during on-site visits.
• How to successfully submit appeals following an audit.
• Ways to reduce the risk of future audits via better data entry accountability.
• How to develop an internal program to conduct successful self-audits. 

Recorded: March 18, 2010

In light of recent reimbursement cuts, competitive bidding and an increase in CERT/RAC/DME MAC audits, providers can’t afford to submit sloppy claims. Even the smallest oversights that may have gone unnoticed in the past are now resulting in costly denials, rejections and recoupments.

• Prescreen your claims for potential denials.
• Utilize technology to submit claims electronically, reduce the burden on your AR department, and decrease your risk of getting denied.
• Identify potential same or similar, medical necessity, or other eligibility issues (i.e. SNF stays).
• Establish an AR Strategy and ensure that reporting tools effectively capture the vulnerabilities of claim processing to include analysis of claim rejections, days sales outstanding and denials.

This recording will provide you with the tips and tools you need to be sure you are properly submitting claims to Medicare, the first time around.

Special Offer: Purchase a digital recording of all three DME Billing courses (101, 102 and 103)  and receive a FREE Copy of Billing Cheat Sheets!

Recorded: February 16, 2010

Before supplying equipment to a patient, you need to make sure you’ll get reimbursed. Many of the reimbursement headaches that providers face can be prevented simply by ensuring you have a solid patient intake and assessment process. During this webinar, you'll learn what steps you need to take from the time a patient walks in the door to the time you deliver their equipment.

• What needs to be included in patient charts to ensure compliance with Medicare rules and policies.
• What questions to ask before agreeing to take on a patient.
• Basic documentation and signature requirements for general DME, including when CMNs, DIFs and WOPDs should be used.
• How to determine if and when you will need to utilize an ABN, obtain a renewal ABN, and ensure that they are compliant.

This webinar will help reduce your chances of failing an audit by teaching you what to look for before submitting a claim.

Special Offer: Purchase a digital recording of all three DME Billing courses (101, 102 and 103)  and receive a FREE Copy of Billing Cheat Sheets!

Recorded: November 19, 2009

Your AR is the lifeline of your business, but if not properly maintained it will easily grow wildly

out of control. During this webinar, Andrea brings you up to speed on AR tips and techniques to help keep your accounts current and receive faster claim payments.

It’s time to take back control of your AR and gear up for a successful new year! 

• Prescreen Claims to Avoid Denials: Prevent unnecessary denials by knowing what to look for before submitting a claim.
• Benefit from Transmitting Claims Electronically: Sending claims electronically can reduce the burden on your AR department. Learn how to read electronically generated reports for instant insight on the status of your claims.
• Develop Your Own AR Strategy: Effectively work denials, prioritize your AR, and maximize your efforts through better reporting and data analysis.

After listenting to this webinar you’ll have the insight and tools necessary to streamline your claim submission process and decrease turn-around times.

Recorded: October 22, 2009

This digital recording addresses the latest Oxygen clarifications and regulations released from CMS, including:

• Maintenance Reimbursements: Andrea discusses the current regulations and payment restrictions for billing maintenance post-cap. Learn how often you can bill, what equipment you may bill for (individually or in combination) and how to correctly submit a maintenance claim.
• Billing for Contents and Labor: Get answers to your questions on billing for oxygen contents, labor and repair services post-cap. What, if anything, will Medicare pay? What codes should be used?
• Patients Traveling with Oxygen: CMS has provided clarification for providers with patients who travel short-term with oxygen. During this segment, Andrea provides a breakdown of your options when patients temporarily travel outside of your service area.

Recorded: July 14, 2009

After listening to this webinar, you'll understand how to use CMNs, know which situations require a CMN and know which CMNs are accepted by Medicare. Andrea provides  step-by-step details on how to properly fill out each section of a CMN, as well as clarifies confusing date and time requirements.

Updated CMN coverage criteria is discussed for the following topics:

• Oxygen (initial & revised CMNs, recertification, testing modalities, etc.)
• Lymphedema Pumps
• Seat Lift Mechanisms
• TENS
• Enteral Nutrition (formulas, pumps, feeding supply kits, etc.)

Learn when to use DIFs, WOPDs, Detailed Orders and more!

Recorded: December 18, 2008