Summary:Not every anesthesia provider is on the same page when it comes to determining and documenting anesthesia time. Because of this, some providers may be losing money, while others are in violation of the billing rules. In this first installment of a two-part article, we will focus on the appropriate way to define and document anesthesia start...

Summary:Staying independent has long been the goal for most anesthesia practices, but that goal is becoming increasingly elusive. Strategic thinking on the part of both independent groups and hospital administrators is more critical than ever in this era of cost containment.The majority of American anesthesia providers pride themselves on working f...

Update on Stimulus Funds Timelinesto Comply with RegulationsOn May 22, 2020, the deadline established by the HHS for healthcare providers to attest to the receipt of payments from the Provider Relief Fund was increased from 45 days to 90 days from the date of payment. The original deadline was previously increased by HHS from 30 days to 45 days.The...

When one of us can't breathe, none of us can breathe. I can no longer sit silent while our communities continue to suffer. While I do not condone violence of any kind, there are members of our society who have been marginalized and have been suffering for far too long. At MiraMed, we stand with our black and brown brothers and sisters as they seek ...

Summary:Pain practitioners are in a unique position to utilize the new waivers and changes that pertain to telehealth and other virtual visits. However, the rules covering these services are complex, nuanced and ever-changing. Today's alert explores these services and their requirements.Many of our chronic pain clients have fully embraced telehealt...

May 26, 2020 Each week, we are all updated on the growing ranks of the nation's unemployed. State lockdowns have resulted in some unimaginable unemployment numbers in every state. As of May 21, another 2.4 million workers were added to the jobless rolls, bringing the total to 38.6 million—and this number represents just the individuals who were ac...

Summary: With the approach of mid-May, we felt it important to get a snapshot of what anesthesia practices are experiencing and expecting as it concerns the resumption of pre-COVID surgery volumes. To facilitate this, we asked our clients to participate in a survey. The results are in, and some are quite interesting.One of the things that neve...

Summary:There is still much about the coronavirus that we don't understand. Physicians pride themselves on being able to diagnose problems and classify them precisely. In this sense, and in getting paid for the services rendered to these patients, this virus is still somewhat of a mystery that still needs to be sorted out.An eminent biology profess...

Summary:Prevention of the spread of COVID is essential during this time. Treatment from a distance is one of the strategies being employed in the pursuit of that goal. Yes, there are ways in which anesthesia providers can bill for patient services without actually being in the same room as the patient. This article explores some of those ways.A pop...

Anesthesia Business Consultants has leveraged its artificial intelligence platform, F1RSTAI, to evaluate patient outcomes as it relates to COVID-19 infections and has built regional and practice specific projections on future financial trends and impacts of the COVID-19 disease.ABC has deployed its F1RSTAI platform designed to analyze, learn and re...

As we continue to monitor developments surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19) and the government's response to the viral outbreak, ABC will update our client-partners as appropriate. Accordingly, we wish to pass on to you the following information from HHS which we hope you will find helpful during this time of uncertainty. HHS opened the $20 B...

Summary:A closer look at the actual impact of the coronavirus on anesthesia practices is both dispiriting and enlightening. While the short-term impact is traumatic, the long-term prognosis is not so bleak.Over the course of its history as a specialty, anesthesia has been the subject of many legislative and financial challenges, including Medicare ...

As we continue to monitor developments surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19) and the government's response to the viral outbreak, ABC will update our client-partners as appropriate. Accordingly, we wish to pass on to you the following informtion from CMS which we hope you will find helpful during this time of uncertainty.CMS Reevaluates Accelerate...

As we continue to monitor developments surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19) and the government's response to the viral outbreak, ABC will update our client-partners as appropriate. Accordingly, we wish to pass on to you the following information from Blue Shield of California, which we hope you will find helpful during this time of uncertainty.Ne...

The HHS.gov website has posted the following information pertaining to the next round of the Provider Relief Fund. https://www.hhs.gov/provider-relief/index.htmlNote: automatic payments will be received tomorrow April 24th for those facilities that cost report. All other eligible providers will be required to apply for additional stimulus funds via...

SUMMARY: The coronavirus (COVID) crisis currently assailing the citizens of the United States is not uniform in its coverage or consistent in its severity. While it is true that every state has reported residents with the ailment, some regions and cities are being hit harder than others. Only last Mondaydid Wyoming see its first fatality from ...

As we continue to monitor developments surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19) and the government's response to the viral outbreak, ABC will update our client-partners as appropriate. Accordingly, we wish to pass on to you the following information for the ASAIntroduction:In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Se...

The Stimilus Money in Your Account, Is It Really a "No-Strings-Attached" Grant?In an effort to help financially struggling practices during the COVID-19 crisis, the government has begun sending funds directly into the bank accounts of solo practitioners and medical groups. Here are the highlights:You must agree to the "terms and conditions" of...

​SummaryAnesthesia groups are moving out of their comfort zones during the COVID-19 crisis, with many taking on new models of care. The changes that come with new priorities may be moving more rapidly than the provider's ability to keep up. In the midst of pandemic and pandemonium, preparation will be the key.​There are five phases of an anesthetic...

SummaryThe recent waiver of the rule requiring CRNAs to be supervised by a physician may lead to some confusion. Does this mean a change in the medical direction rules? Does this lead to any change in billing? This article addresses what this waiver does and what it does not do.Among the many emergency rules and waivers the Trump administration has...