Health disparities have received plenty of attention lately, and for good reason. These differences, which exist among various groups in the United States, can affect everything from readmission rates to health outcomes and are often the result of environmental, social, and economic factors.
Irene, an expert medical case manager, is worried about her mother, Sadie, who is 87 years old with severe cardiovascular disease and mild-to-moderate dementia. Sadie lives in an assisted living facility. Clearly, she belongs to the group identified as being the most vulnerable to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Q: OCR has announced that it will waive enforcement discretion for HIPAA violations that occur at COVID-19 community-based testing sites. The agency did, however, indicate that reasonable safeguards should be implemented. What are your safeguard recommendations for a testing site that is constructed in a parking lot?
This week’s Medicare updates include the release of the 2021 ICD-10-CM code set files, a proposed decision memo regarding expanded coverage of a transcatheter mitral valve repair procedure, revisions to the July 2020 OPPS update, and more!
Q: How has the 2-midnight rule been impacted by waivers issued during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic? What changes should case managers be aware of?
