COVID-19 UPDATES FROM ADVIS

Advis is an industry leader in healthcare regulation and compliance. As our healthcare system navigates the current pandemic, Advis stands ready to assist organizations through all COVID-19 related challenges. Advis provides all levels of expert healthcare consulting services regarding all aspects of COVID 19 reimbursement, regulation, and recovery. Our expertise extends to the following efforts:

Both for-profit and not-for-profit hospitals and other providers responding to the COVID 19 crisis will be able to seek reimbursement for costs and expenses directly related to the national emergency. Examples of these costs include, but are not limited to:

• Lost Revenue*
  

• Charity Care*

• Construction of temporary structures;

• Leasing of properties, medical supplies and equipment, including personal protective equipment and testing supplies;

• Increased workforce and training;

• Emergency operation centers;

• Retrofitting facilities; and

• Surge capacity.

*Specifically not covered by FEMA

Reimbursement from FEMA will be available to providers when no other source of repayment is viable. The scope of eligible costs and expenses requires providers to take steps now to ensure their claims meet FEMA standards of payment.

In some states immediate funding may also be available at a payment rate of 50% of project costs with full payment coming upon submission of all claims. Applicants are able to seek up to an additional 5% of its total eligible reimbursed claim to assist with Direct Administrative Costs (DAC) for claim preparation, submission, and management.

Over the past 25 years, Advis has assisted hospitals across the country with FEMA filings, document systemization, and retention. Advis is available for both Single Issue Consultation or Entire Reimbursement Process Management.

CMS implemented new telehealth waivers that extend to Medicare and provide flexibility on who can receive telehealth services and where they can occur. Additionally, states have broad flexibility to cover telehealth services through Medicaid.

Due to the related relaxation of HIPAA violations and penalties during this crisis, telehealth communication can now be done over everyday communication devices with audio and/or visual capabilities (e.g., phone calls, FaceTime, Skype, etc.). The Office of Civil Rights will also waive HIPAA penalties for providers that “serve patients in good faith through everyday communication technologies.”

The FCC announced its COVID-19 Telehealth Program. The program assists providers in purchasing telecommunications, information services, and connected devices. Eligible providers will need to submit an application to receive the funds from the FCC. Applicants may be awarded up to $1 million from the FCC. The funds will be available until expended or the pandemic has ended, making it imperative for providers to submit their applications as soon as they become available.

Advis is striving to help healthcare providers understand these changes so they can provide care to people in immediate need right without risking exposure to COVID-19.

This federal program will provide prospective funds when a disruption in claims submission or processing is expected. All Medicare providers including hospitals, doctors, DME suppliers, and other Medicare Part A and Part B providers and suppliers will be eligible for the Accelerated Payment Program.

Provider/Supplier must meet the following qualifications:

• Billed Medicare claims within 180 days immediately prior to the date of signature on the provider’s/supplier’s request for accelerated payments;
• Not be in bankruptcy;
• Not be under active medical review or program integrity investigation; and
• Not have any outstanding delinquent Medicare overpayments.

Advis is available to assist with initial applications as well as ongoing cost and expense management throughout the duration of the funding lifecycles.

Our expert consults are ready to assist you. Contact our COVID-19 Task Force.