CGS Holding All Part A SNF Claims

Date: 
11/11/2011

H E A L T H C A R E   U P D A T E

 November 11, 2011

 

For additional information and discussion on this topic, please get in touch with your regular  HW&Co. professional or one of our Revenue Cycle Consultants listed below.

Pamela J. Skrzynski
skrzynski@hwco.com
216.378.7266

Kelly J. Sorensen, CMOM
sorensen@hwco.com
614.794.8710

Jenna J. Bennett
bennett@hwco.com
216.378.7426

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BREAKING NEWS: CGS Holding All Part A SNF Claims

We have become aware that Ohio’s new Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC), CIGNA Government Services (CGS), is currently not paying any Part A skilled nursing facility claims. The problem is related to new HIPPS codes created for Change of Therapy assessments, and per their interpretation of CMS instructions, CGS is holding ALL Part A claims for SNFs and Swing Beds. However, by all accounts, other MACs are interpreting the instructions differently and are paying all claims other than those affected by the new HIPPS codes. 

With the major cash flow issues that could occur if you do not receive your anticipated Medicare payment next week, we wanted to make you aware of the issue since you may not have checked the status of your October claims that you recently billed. This is especially important as the first quarter bed tax payment is due next week.

Below is the Ohio Health Care Association’s latest update (used with permission):

Medicare Part A Claims Remain Suspended: Directive to Pay Coming From CMS
As members have been made aware, OHCA has been working diligently to resolve the situation whereby CGS has suspended for payment all Medicare Part A claims for J15 nursing facilities. OHCA was notified late yesterday by CMS Region 5 that a directive has been given to CGS to pay all claims and a "work around" has been put in place for problems occurring with the loading of HIPPS codes. In speaking with CGS this morning, they remain unclear as to process needed to achieve this work around and unfortunately, due to the Veterans Day holiday and the close of all State and Federal offices, that are unable to communicate directly with CMS until Monday. According to CGS, they remain committed to quickly resolving this situation and issuing Part A payments to Ohio SNFs as soon as possible. It is our hope and goal to get this issue resolved completely on Monday. (Source: OHCA 11/11/11, www.ohca.org)