CMS and hospitals have historically been challenged to reach agreement on Medicare claims that have been suspended. The volume has increased dramatically resulting in processing backlogs and impasse. Here is a link to a recent CMS publication explaining the new “offering” to pay backlogged claims at a discount if hospitals will accept the discounted rate as payment in full.

If you are a Hospital CFO and/or Revenue Cycle Leader in a Medicare provider organization, this article may be of interest. Among other services, Nearterm works with hospitals to assist with Medicare billing and collection activities. Most of our work is done at the patient account level but this offering by CMS may be an opportunity to remedy appeals through an administrative discount.

Obviously, the decision to further discount revenue that is already marginal is formidable. Meantime, if you have a Medicare backlog give us a call. We have AR Specialists that can go to work immediately helping you prepare for the CMS deal or moreover helping you avoid the discount deal by resolving your claims at their full negotiated value.