National Government Services (NGS) has completed the transition and is now the primary Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) in the states of Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. To access the NGS local coverage determinations, appeals process, medical review, NGS monthly newsletter, and other transition information, click

Noridian Healthcare Solutions has announced they will conduct a SNF specific probe review in the state of Nevada. Noridian will review 100 claims with edit number 50204 for claims billed on or after 11/1/2013 with following criteria: Original SNF claims RUG RV* This service specific review is initiated based on the following: Data analysis has identified a potentially high use of SNF claims billed with very high intensity rehabilitation services (RV*).

Cigna Government Services (CGS), Medicare Administrative Contractor for the states of Kentucky and Ohio, will be providing a webinar on the difference between a reopening and a redetermination on November 13, 2013 beginning at 10:00am ET. This webinar is for private practices in the above mentioned states. To register for the webinar, click HERE.

Cigna Government Services (CGS), Medicare Administrative Contractor in the states of Kentucky and Ohio, is offering private practices the ability to submit redetermination requests online through myCGS web portal. This feature will save mailing time, costs and allow you to monitor the status of your appeal requests. For further information, click HERE.

Wisconsin Physician Services will host a webinar on September 25, 2013 on the proper use of the ABN for outpatient therapy services. This webinar is for non-private practices in the states of Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan Missouri, and Nebraska. For additional information and to register, click HERE if in the states of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska and click HERE if in Indiana and Michigan.

Wisconsin Physician Services (WPS), Medicare Administrative Contractor for the states of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska, will be hosting 2 seminars on outpatient therapy guidelines. The first is on October 31, 2013 in Lawrence, KS and the second is on November 14, 2013 in Springfield, MO. To learn more about the 2 seminars and to register, click HERE.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will make available free provider-specific comparative data reports for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) nationwide. The Program for Evaluating Payment Patterns Electronic Report (PEPPER) provides SNF-specific data statistics for Medicare services that may be at risk for improper Medicare payments. SNFs can use the data to support internal auditing and monitoring activities. PEPPER is a free report comparing a SNF’s Medicare billing practices with other SNFs in the state, Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) or Fiscal Intermediary (FI) jurisdiction and nation.

Performant Recovery, Recovery Auditor for Region A that encompasses Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, has announced they will conduct automated reviews on Medicare beneficiaries who are simultaneously receiving home health services reimbursed under a home health agency plan of care and outpatient therapy services provided by a hospital outpatient department or a private practice. The audit will impact hospital outpatient departments in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania as well as private practices in Connecticut and New York. Issues for Part B providers that are approved for