Click her to see a replay of the Analysis of CMS's Proposed Rule on the Duty to Report and Return Overpayments webinar. On February 16, 2012, CMS published in the Federal Register its much-anticipated (and long-awaited) notice of proposed rule-making regarding Medicare provider and supplier obligations to report and return overpayments.

Mediregs hosted a webinar on Clinical Trials: How to Stay Medicare Compliant Webinar, the speakers covered the following:

Clinical trial billing can be complex and organizations involved in clinical trials can be exposed to compliance risks if not done correctly. This presentation outlines key components of clinical trial billing as well as understand Medicare coverage guidelines and how to remain compliant with the Medicare program.

Participants will learn:

As you know, the Medicare EHR Incentive Program will provide incentive payments to eligible professionals, eligible hospitals, and CAHs that demonstrate "meaningful use" of certified EHR technology.  Registration for the program began on January 3, 2011. 

In an effort to bring information to a broader audience, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is now employing social media sites Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.

To join the CMS LinkedIn group, go to: www.LinkedIn.com/in/CMSGov.

View a handful of informational videos by logging onto the CMS YouTube Channel at: www.YouTube.com/CMSHHSGov.

And for those looking for concise updates regarding CMS, can check out two Twitter accounts:

President Obama on July 17 sent a draft of legislation to Congress that would establish an Independent Medicare Advisory Council (IMAC), which would have the authority to make recommendations to the President on annual Medicare payment rates as well as other reforms.

Comprehensive health care reform legislation passed a significant milestone last week as Senate and House committees approved different legislative packages. At the same time, comments from the head of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) put a damper on the potential further progress of the legislation.

Members of both the House and the Senate have released draft summaries or draft legislative language for comprehensive health care reform legislation. Staff members of three House committees -- Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, and Education and Labor – released a three-page summary of a possible health care reform bill that includes a public insurance option, insurance market reforms, and insurance premium support for families up to 400 percent of the federal poverty level.

The OIG recently released a report entitled "Medicare Part D Payments For Beneficiaries In Part A Skilled Nursing Facility Stays In 2006."  The purpose of the review was to determine the extent to which Medicare Part D paid for drugs for beneficiaries in Part A SNF stays in 2006.  The OIG found that Part D payments were widespread among SNFs and ph

President Obama is looking at making the recommendations made by the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) each year easier to put into effect. In a letter to Sens. Edward Kennedy (D.-Mass.) and Max Baucus (D.-Mont.) sent June 2, Obama outlined several proposals to cut health care spending over the next 10 years, particularly in the Medicare program. 

The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA), enacted on July 15, 2008, made limited changes to the competitive bidding program for Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS), including a requirement that the Secretary conduct a second competition to select suppliers for Round 1 in 2009.