www.ohiokepro.com
Vol. 2 No. 2A
Winter 2004-2005
New Medicare Benefits
Begin in January 2005
A
merica's Medicare beneficiaries will have
new benefits beginning in January 2005 that
will help them live healthier lives, according to the
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
The HHS goal is to maximize preventive care.
For new Medicare beneficiaries, the "Welcome to Medicare" physical
exam, coupled with an increasingly broad set of preventive benefits
including prescription drug coverage, provides Medicare beneficiaries
with greater access to more prevention-focused benefits than ever
before. These ser vices are key features of the Medicare Modernization
Act (MMA) of 2003.
Comprehensive preventive benefits
Medicare's new comprehensive set of preventive benefits includes
the "Welcome to Medicare" physical exam and screening for hear t
disease and diabetes. Coverage also includes screening for bone loss,
glaucoma, and cancers of the colon, breast, cer vix, and prostate.
Medicare recently mailed to Medicare beneficiaries an updated
Medicare and You handbook that, for the first time, emphasizes
Medicare's new prevention-oriented focus. The handbook informs
beneficiaries of what they should do to take advantage of these
new ser vices dedicated to early detection and treatment of disease.
The exam is aimed at providing education and counseling about the
preventive services that may be needed. Dr. McClellan said he believes
the exam will significantly improve the health prospects of Medicare
beneficiaries as they enter the program and learn about preventive
measures they may not have known were needed.
The HHS goal is to maximize preventive care.
"Too many seniors do not use the ser vices that make it possible to
find and treat illnesses before they lead to more serious problems,
as well as avoidable increases in health care costs," said Centers
for Medicare & Medicaid Ser vices (CMS) Administrator Mark B.
McClellan, MD, PhD. "The new law gives us the tools to close this
`prevention gap' for seniors, and we're going to do all we can to use
these new oppor tunities to keep seniors healthy."
The difference between the number of seniors who could take
advantage of preventive ser vices that include vaccines and screenings
and those who actually do is known as the "prevention gap."
Closing the prevention gap, Dr. McClellan noted, could save thousands
of lives and billions of dollars in avoidable medical expenses for
preventable complications associated with hear t disease, diabetes,
cancer, bone loss, high blood pressure, smoking, inactive lifestyles,
and other illnesses and unhealthy behaviors.
"Medicare's coverage and Medicare's expenses have historically
focused on paying to treat costly health problems after they occur,"
said Dr. McClellan. "With Medicare's new suppor t to help seniors
use recommended preventive care and prescription drugs to avoid
these costly and debilitating problems, that's going to change."
CMS will also work closely with the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) and other HHS agencies to share the prevention
message with seniors and their families throughout the nation to
broaden the emphasis on prevention and early detection, including
the areas of diabetes, elevated cholesterol levels, and cancer.
"This new Medicare screening exam will go a long way to help pro-
tect our seniors' health and thus help them achieve their full life
expectancy," said CDC Director Julie Gerberding, MD, MPH. "It will
also provide an oppor tunity to educate our seniors on the impor-
tance of choosing health by eating a diet rich in fruits and vegeta-
bles, engaging in regular physical activity and not smoking--all
things that can help prevent chronic diseases which rob so many
people of their health."
Medicare Advantage Plans have flexibility
Dr. McClellan also noted that Medicare Advantage (MA) plans have the
flexibility to cover far-reaching prevention ser vices, such as wellness
programs, beyond what Medicare covers. MA plans offer prevention
benefits including health education ser vices, exercise programs, and
other ser vices that not only aler t patients to potential health risks,
but also actually work with them to change harmful lifestyles and
encourage healthy behavioral changes.
The accompanying ar ticle describes in detail the preventive ser vices
offered under Medicare and the appropriate codes. For more infor-
mation, please contact the Ohio KePRO's Physician Office Team at
1-800-385-5080; e-mail: droffice@ohqio.sdps.org; Web site:
www.ohiokepro.com.
2005 Preventive Ser vices With Appropriate Codes
B
eginning in 2005, all newly enrolled Medicare
beneficiaries will be covered for an initial
physical examination, all beneficiaries will be
covered for cardiovascular screening blood tests,
and those at risk will be covered for a diabetes-
screening test in order to increase early detection
and treatment of this life-threatening condition.
The following information with the accompanying
char t describes in detail these new benefits
regarding who is covered and the appropriate
codes for providers to use.
Diabetes Screening Tests. Diabetes ranks as the sixth leading cause
of death, and was responsible for more than 71,000 deaths in 2001.
In addition, 562,000 Americans were admitted to the hospital with a
diagnosis of diabetes, or whom 36.6 percent were 65 and older. These
tests to be covered under the proposed rule include a fasting plasma
glucose test and post-glucose challenges. Beneficiaries eligible for
this screen will not have to meet a deductible or co-pay for the test.
MMA allows for diabetes screening tests up to twice year.
MMA allows for diabetes
screening tests up to twice a year
Welcome to Medicare Physical. The initial preventive physical will
consist of a comprehensive examination that will allow the physician
to diagnose problems early when treatment is more effective. In
addition, the physician and office staff will provide education, coun-
seling, and referral to other preventive ser vices covered by Medicare.
Cardiovascular Screening Tests. Cardiovascular disease is the number
one killer in the United States. Ever y year, some 950,000 persons
die from this condition with 84 percent of those deaths occurring in
people aged 65 and older. In 2001, more than 6 million Americans
were admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of cardiovascular disease,
of which 64.5 percent were 65 or older. The Medicare Modernization
Act (MMA) will provide Medicare coverage of cardiovascular screening
blood tests, including tests for total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein,
and triglycerides. Beneficiaries will be allowed to be screened ever y
five years in keeping with recommendations from the United States
Preventive Ser vices Task Force. There will be no deductible or co-pay
for these tests.
These benefits are in accordance with guidelines from the United
States Preventive Ser vices Task Force. These benefits are in line
with and complement several administrative initiatives such as
Healthy People 2010, Steps to a Healthier US, Secretar y's Diabetes
Detection Initiative, and Healthy Communities.
2
Preventive Ser vices Coding Matrix
Covered Service
Who is Covered
Facts and References
Welcome to Medicare Physical
beginning in 2005.
All newly enrolled Medicare
Medicare beneficiaries
MMA section 611
CMS will issue fur ther instructions in the
near future
Cardiovascular Screening Tests
Total cholesterol; high-density
lipoprotein; triglycerides
All Medicare beneficiaries
MMA section 612
Deductible and coinsurance do not apply
CMS will issue fur ther instructions in the
near future.
Will be covered once ever y 5 years,
beginning in 2005.
Diabetes Screening Tests
Fasting plasma glucose test and
post-glucose challenges
Medicare beneficiaries
who are at risk for
developing diabetes
MMA section 613
Deductible and coinsurance do not apply
CMS will issue fur ther instructions in the
near future
Will be covered once ever y 5 years,
beginning in 2005.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
All people with Medicare age
50 and older, (no minimum
age requirement for
colonoscopy).
CMS NCD Manual, section 210.3
Updates Mar04
Fecal Occult Blood Test
Once ever y 12 months.
HCPCS G0107
Must be ordered by treating physician
Includes 1-3 simultaneous determinations
HCPCS code G0104
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
Once ever y 48 months.
HCPCS G0104
Frequency limitations for screening flexible
sigmoidoscopy and screening colonoscopy
performed on the same patient
Colonoscopy Once ever y 24
months (high risk), once ever y
10 years (low risk), but not within
48 months of a screening
flexible sigmoidoscopy.
HCPCS codes G0121 (Low risk) and G0105
(High risk)
UpdatesFeb98, Aug98; Apr01, Aug01;
Mar02, Apr02; May03, Oct03
Barium Enema May be used
instead of a sigmoidoscopy or
colonoscopy.
Bone Mass Measurements
Once ever y 24 months for qualified
individuals and more frequently if
medically necessar y.
Cer tain people with
Medicare who are at risk
for losing bone mass.
LMRP: Bone Mass Measurement
CPT codes 76070, 76071, 76075,
76076, 76078, 76977, 78350, 78351;
HCPCS code G0130
Quantity must be "one" for each study
billed. The individual's treating physician
must order tests.
Medical record from the attending physician
must indicate signs/symptoms and risk
factor s that prompted the ordering of
the test.
Special note: some preventive/screening ser vices are subject to SNF
Consolidated Billing for patients in a Par t A stay
Sep04 p. 65-66
Medlear n Matter s ar ticle SE0431
(www.cms.hhs.gov/medlearn/matters)
SNF code sets:
www.cms.hhs.gov/medlearn/snfcode.asp
3
Preventive Ser vices Coding Matrix (cont'd.)
Covered Service
Who is Covered
Facts and References
Mammogram Screening Once ever y
12 months. Medicare also covers new
digital technologies for mammogram
screenings.
All women with Medicare age
40 and older. A baseline
mammogram is recommended
for women between ages 35
and 39.
CMS NCD Manual, section 220.4
HCPCS code G0202
Use ICD-9 code V76.12
NCD: Dec01
Claims processed on or after April 1, 2003
must contain the six-digit FDA cer tification
number or the ser vice will be rejected.
Updates Apr03, May03, June03, Dec03;
Jan04, Feb04
Pap Test and Pelvic Examination
(includes a clinical breast exam) Once
ever y 24 months. Once ever y 12 months
if at high risk for cer vical or vaginal
cancer, or if childbearing age and have
had an abnormal Pap test in the past
36 months.
All women with Medicare.
CMS NCD Manual, section 210.2
Updates Mar98, June98; Dec00; Mar01,
Jun01, Jul01; Aug03
Diagnosis coding instructions:
High risk: V15.89
Low risk: V76.2, V76.47, V76.49
No cer vix: V15.89 or V76.2 (primar y);
V76.47 or V76.49 (secondar y)
Prostate Cancer Screening
All men with Medicare age
50 and older, (coverage
begins the day after the
50th bir thday).
CMS NCD Manual, section 210.1
Digital Rectal Examination
Once ever y 12 months.
HCPCS code G0102
Must be performed by DO, MD, or qualified
PA, NP CNS, or CNM ,
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)
test Once ever y 12 months.
HCPCS code G0103
Use ICD-9 V76.44
Updates Feb99; Feb00, Dec00
Vaccinations
All people with Medicare.
Influenza Vaccine Annually
CPT code 90657, 90658 (split vir us),
HCPCS code G0008 (administration).
No charge for patients with original Medicare
Centralized Billing www.PalmettoGBA.com
("Preventive Ser vices")
Does not require physician's order
Pneumococcal Pneumonia
Vaccine (PPV) Usually once in
a lifetime
CPT code 90732 (vaccine); HCPCS code
G0009 (administration)
Does not require physician's order
Hepatitis B Vaccine Physician
recommendation only
Glaucoma Screening Once ever y
12 months.
People with Medicare (high
risk), including people with
diabetes, a family hx of
glaucoma, or African-
Americans age 50 or older.
HCPCS codes G0117 (by optometrist or
ophthalmologist), G0118 (under direct
super vision of optometrist or
ophthalmologist).
Use ICD-9 code V80.1. Coverage estab-
lished through BIPA.
Nov01 (NCD), Dec01, Mar02
Palmetto GBA December 2004.
CPT codes, descriptors and other data only are copyright 2000 American Medical Association (or such other date of publication of CPT). All Rights Reser ved.
Applicable FARS/DFARS apply. CDT-3/2000 (including procedure codes, definitions, (descriptions) and other data) is copyright of the American Dental Association.
© 2000 American Dental Association. All rights reser ved. Applicable FARS/DFARS apply.
4
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delivered to Medicare beneficiaries. We offer innovative products and
ser vices, and educational resource materials to encourage and
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Rock Run Center, Suite 100
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Tel: 216.447.9604
Fax: 216.447.7925
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Ohio KePRO to Promote Electronic Health Records
By Alice Stollenwerk Petrulis, MD, FACP, Medical Director
P
resident Bush has stated that Electronic
Health Records (EHRs) would be available
to all Americans in 10 years. David Brailer, MD,
PhD, has been appointed National Coordinator
for Health Information Technology to take the
lead on this project.
recruited to assist in this endeavor. National suppor t has been
obtained from physician organizations such as the American
Academy of Family Physicians and several subspecialties.
The end result of this project will likely be Pay-for-Performance contracts
with reimbursement tied to electronic repor ting of data. In addition,
physician public repor ting of quality measures, similar to what is seen
on www.medicare.gov for nursing homes, home health agencies,
and soon-to-be-repor ted hospitals may follow.
The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Ser vices (CMS) has contracted
with the Quality Improvement Organizations (QIOs) in each state to
promote health information technology (HIT) in physician office prac-
tices and to work with physicians to improve rates on seven quality
measures. The quality measures will focus on:
Immunization
Diabetes
Screening mammography
Colorectal screening
Hyper tension
Hear t failure
Coronar y hear t disease
More and more practices are either considering, or have actually
taken the impor tant steps to implement these increasingly critical
tools. They see the value of an EHR as:
Ohio KePRO is the QIO for Medicare in Ohio. Many physicians throughout
the state have already collaborated with us on our ambulator y projects
in the last few years and will continue to do so as Ohio KePRO moves
forward in assisting physician offices in the implementation of EHRs.
Physician stakeholder groups, such as the Ohio Chapter of the American
College of Physicians, have likewise endorsed our efforts on this project.
Free consultative ser vices
To prepare for this initiative, Ohio KePRO has added staff from
healthcare software companies who have years of experience in the
installation of EHRs. The staff is ready to offer consultative ser vices
to physician offices at no cost. Ohio KePRO will be able to assist in
the selection of an EHR, and offer guidance in implementation to
achieve office efficiency.
Improved access to patient information
Reduction of errors and improvement in quality of care
Creation of a more efficient office
Improvement in billing accuracy
Reduction in transcription costs
Interested in free EHR consultation? Ohio KePRO can help you
choose and implement a system that is right for you. We can
also help you use your current system to its fullest capabilities.
National pilot underway
A national pilot is already underway in four states as part of this national
initiative, which is also called the Doctors' Office Quality-Information
Technology (DOQ-IT) Project. Software vendors have already been
Please contact the Physician Office Team at 1-800-385-5080;
email: droffice@ohqio.sdps.org. Or fill out our Information
Technology Assessment form at
http://www.ohiokepro.com/publications/47878.pdf.
5
Are You
Connected?
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Januar y
National Glaucoma Awareness Month
National Cataract Awareness Month
With a weekly healthcare
update, you can be.
Sign up to receive a weekly e-mail that
highlights FREE healthcare events
presented by Ohio KePRO and other
healthcare-related events around Ohio.
Februar y
American Hear t Month
National Hyper tension Awareness Month
Women's Hear t Health Day 1st
National Wear Red Day for Women 4th
National Cardiac Rehabilitation Week 13th 19th
National Women's Hear t Day 18th
Ohio KePRO supports training sessions
for topics relevant to hospitals, physi-
cian offices, nursing homes, and home
health agencies. Continuing education
is available for most sessions.
March
National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
National Save Your V ision Month
Patient Safety Awareness Week 6th 12th
American Diabetes Aler t Day 22nd
National Doctors Day 28th
To subscribe, call 1.800.385.5080 or
go to www.ohiokepro.com and click on
Publications > Newsletters > Subscribe.
Publication No. 4031-OH-002-1/2005. This material was prepared by Ohio KePRO, the
Medicare Quality Improvement Organization for Ohio, under contract with the Centers for
Medicare & Medicaid Ser vices (CMS), an agency of the U.S. Depar tment of Health and
Human Ser vices. The contents presented do not necessarily reflect CMS policy.
Please note: Ohio KePRO's office will be closed on Februar y 21, 2004,
in obser vance of Presidents' Day.
Ohio KePRO Physician Office Team
www.ohiokepro.com
Alice Stollenwerk Petrulis, MD, FACP
Betty Pilous, RN, MHSA, CPHQ
Sandy Gallagher, MPA
Leslie Crowe, LPN, BS
Kerri Gilligan, RN
Bonnie Hollopeter, LPN, CPHQ
Kathleen Korosi, MPA
Svetlana Marchuk, BS
Rosalie McGinnis, RN, MS
Marilyn Daniels Monteiro
Patricia Moynihan, AAB
Lori Myers, LPN
Julie Ondercin, RHIA, CPHQ
Linda Wozniak, LPN
Dan Ziemnik, BA
Executive Editor : Suzana C. Iveljic, MBA
Editor : Robert A. Feigenbaum, MS
THE WINTER 2004-2005 ISSUE OF QUALITY CONNECTION HAS ARRIVED!
The Newsletter of the Physician Office Quality Improvement Initiative
Rock Run Center, Suite 100
5700 Lombardo Center Drive
Seven Hills, OH 44131-2545
Tel: 216.447.9604
Fax: 216.447.7925
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