CMS Lifts Freestanding ER Billing Restrictions During Pandemic

The healthcare services went for a toss when the novel coronavirus began to engulf the whole world into its viciousness. The year gone by was un-forgetful and yet regretful.

While the situation continued to worsen, it became critical for the Government of every nation to make swift decisions that may help them gain control over the situation.

One key step initiated by the Trump administration in the United States that has gone a long way in strengthening the healthcare system is a historical move the CMS (Centre for Medicare and Medicaid Services the US) allowing the Independent Freestanding Emergency Departments (IFEDs) in Colorado, Delaware, Rhode Island and Texas to provide care to Medicare patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. This step was taken when the hospitals were found to be incapable of accommodating a skewed rise in the number of Covid 19 affected patients.

Allowing IFEDs to act as certified care providers expands the scope of providing medical care to the medicare and medicaid beneficiaries while sharing the overload on the hospitals.

It is important to note here that previously these IFED were not recognized as certified Medicare providers and were not permitted to bill for their services rendered. Their services were largely restricted to basic imaging services, computed tomography (CT) scans, ultrasound, and basic on-site laboratory services. This step is an exception in the current law and is favorable for both the beneficiaries and newly recognized healthcare providers. The IFEDs are now permitted to bill for their services towards Medicare patients during the COVID 19 pandemic. This surely brings much relief to the Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. CMS lifting freestanding ER billing restrictions during COVID 19 is a welcome move during these trying times

CMS has waived certain Conditions of Participation for hospital operations to focus on patient care. IFEDs can during the pandemic participate in medicare and medicaid in one of three ways:

• Becoming affiliated with a medicare/medicaid-certified hospital under the temporary expansion 1135 emergency waiver.
• Participating in Medicaid under the clinic benefit if permitted by the state
• Enrolling temporarily as a Medicare/Medicaid-certified hospital to provide hospital services

IFEDs are now developing a robust support system and have become a significant part of the healthcare system. With each one of us trying to be able to extend every help possible, IFEDs with fewer billing restrictions can now extend their services better.

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