Wisconsin Physician Services  (WPS) will hold a three-hour seminar on the Medicare Outpatient Therapy Benefit on August 20, 2014 in Traverse City, MI. The seminar is designed for those who provide or bill physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech language pathology to Medicare beneficiaries. For additional information and to register, click HERE. In addition, WPS will host an outpatient therapy seminar for skilled nursing facilities on September 10, 2014 in Fort Wayne, IN. The seminar will focus on CCI edits and the proper use of modifier 59, proper coding required when reporting G-codes on the claim form and much more.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued an educational resource detailing signature requirements for physicians, non-physician practitioners, providers, suppliers, and other health care professionals who order or provide Medicare-covered services to Medicare beneficiaries. The Medicare program accepts the following types of signatures: handwritten, electronic, and under certain circumstances, rubber stamped signatures are acceptable. For the complete details on signature requirements for diagnostic tests, DME supplies, Certificates of Medical Necessity, signature guidelines for medical review purposes, and use of rubber stamp for signature, click

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has released the calendar year (CY) 2015 proposed rule for services reimbursed under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule that does include outpatient therapy services. Highlights of the proposed rule as they pertain to outpatient rehabilitation therapy are as follows: