Fighting Mid-Level Medical Providers

Posted on December 29, 2012 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

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Scope of practice’ stories vary according to state laws

One of the interesting stories to watch in the coming months in the states is the fight over “scope of practice.” That means: who gets to do what, and under whose supervision. It basically pits doctors against other health care providers — nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, etc. They are sometimes called “extenders” or “non-physician providers.” (There are also big fights within dentistry.)

Dental Therapists [Emerging New Providers?]

The PP-ACA

These fights would heat up even without the Affordable Care Act — you’ve heard about the shortage of primary care physicians and you know there is an aging population that is going to need access to primary care. Throw in the health care law — millions of newly insured people entering the system — as well as delivery system reforms and care innovations that encourage more primary care, care coordination and team-based medicine that invites a larger role from those “extenders.”

Role of Retail Medical Clinics

Association of Health Care Journalists

Joanne Kenen, AHCJ’s health reform topic leader, writes about the questions and issues to be addressed and offers some resources to help reporters follow the story in their own communities. In a blog post tomorrow, she will point to two articles that have been done about the role nurses, physician assistants or other providers can have in providing primary care in underserved areas.

Next Generation Physician Recruitment

Conclusion

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Tightening Payment Rules for Non-Physicians

Posted on August 30, 2009 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™

Understanding the Medicare “Incident To” Rules

By Staff ReportersGator

Under the “incident to” rules, Medicare Part B pays for some services that are billed by physicians, but performed by non-physicians. And, the Department of Health and Human Services [DHHS] and Office of Inspector General [OIG] says that some of these services might be used improperly.

Suggestions to CMS

The agency recommends the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services [CMS] perform the following:

  • Revise the “incident to” rule to require that physicians who bill Medicare, but don’t perform the services themselves, ensure that the services are provided by a licensed physician, or a non-physician with the necessary training, certification or licensure.
  • Require that physicians who use non-physician services identify this with a service code modifier on bills.
  • Take appropriate action to detect when physicians bill for “incident to” services that are not covered under the rule.

Assessment

In the current healthcare reform environment, Medicare services by non-physicians are coming under increased scrutiny. And, the OIG is finding that the “incident to” rule is allowing medical care to be provided by non-physicians who may lack the necessary qualifications. This may be a healthcare financial, insurance and quality breach. So, don’t let this trap “bite” you.

Source: HHS Office of Inspector General (www.oig.hhs.gov/oei/reports/oei-09-06-00430.pdf)

Conclusion

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