Registration is now open for a 90-minute provider call to be held Wednesday, May 18, 2011, from 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. EDT to discuss the conversion to ICD-10 within CMS. The call will feature presentations on ICD-10 related topics including Lab NCDs conversion process from ICD-9-CM to ICD-10-CM, Home health conversion, OASIS and procedure code reporting, implementation issues and more.

Earlier this week, attestation for the Medicare EHR Incentive Program began. This means that eligible professionals (EPs), eligible hospitals, and critical access hospitals (CAHs) can attest through the CMS web-based attestation system and be on the way to receiving Medicare EHR incentive payments.

The Feb. 2, 2011, edition of the Federal Register outlined a number of new requirements for CMS providers and suppliers. The final rule, which took effect March 25, 2011 included new requirements for the screening process, application fees and temporary moratoria.

The American Medical Association introduced a new mobile application that helps you easily determine the appropriate CPT Evaluation and Management (E/M) code for use for billing. Featuring both decision-tree logic and quick search options, the application allows you to digitally track codes and email them anywhere.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will hold two national provider education calls for professionals and hospitals about registration for the Medicare Electronic Health Records (EHR) Incentive Program.

The OIG work plan for fiscal year 2011 describes audits and evaluations underway and under development. The plan provides readers with insight into the main areas under investigation by the OIG and outlines the OIG's enforcement and compliance activities. Login to find out the sleep-related initiatives included in the work plan for 2011.

Physicians who are identified by Medicare as primary care physicians with a specific percent of Part B allowed charges for primary care services are eligible for a 10 percent bonus payment. Physicians wishing to confirm eligibility must visit contractor websites.

Recently, the four area DME MACs published draft Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) addressing oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnea. These four policies took effect Jan. 3, 2011.