The coming festivities will bring a thrill of excitement for many people as they prepare to ring in 2019. For healthcare providers, this time of year can also present some unusual patient care situations, which could lead to a little atypical ICD-10 coding. Here is a brief look at several codes that might be getting increased attention in the next few weeks.

CMS released the Quality Payment Program Year 3 Final Rule on November 1st. The rule included the removal of 26 Quality Measures, the addition of 10 new Quality measures, and significant changes to the Promoting Interoperability category of the program. Nextech will be releasing more information on these changes in the near future, including a video outlining the changes with tips to prepare for the coming year. Until then, here are a few steps to get you started.

When it comes to MACRA’s Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS), change seems to be the only constant. The requirements associated with the MIPS program have been in flux since MACRA launched in 2015. Despite the moving parts, specialty providers must remain focused on program compliance to receive incentive payments and avoid penalties. Unfortunately, with all the unknowns, it is often hard to feel confident that a practice is set up for success.

Starting in 2018, all 57.7 million Medicare beneficiaries will receive new, updated Medicare cards by mail. This means that practices should prepare to update all Medicare patients' policy numbers over the next year.