CMS reverses decision to hold Medicare payments 

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) reversed its October 15 decision to hold Medicare reimbursement payments. CMS has since indicated it will be processing and issuing payments in a timely manner. No payments should have been delayed as statute requires all claims to be held for a minimum of 14 days. 

Based on the updated communication from CMS, dermatologists should not anticipate an interruption in their Medicare payments.

As a reminder, most Medicare patients are no longer eligible for telehealth visits as of Oct. 1. Practices should prepare to transition Medicare patients back to in-person care or other covered options, and clinicians may consider issuing Advance Beneficiary Notices of Noncoverage when appropriate.

The Academy continues to monitor the current government shutdown and its impact on dermatologists and will provide updates, guidance, and resources in the weekly Advocacy Update newsletter.

If you’re experiencing any issues related to the government shutdown or have questions, please contact regulatory@aad.org.

For the latest information, physicians should monitor their Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) website and this CMS web page.