Advocacy Efforts in Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Focus on Addressing Regulatory Issues facing the Business of Medical Billing
LAGUNA BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Healthcare Billing & Management Association (HBMA), a non-profit educational resource and advocacy group representing third-party medical billers and practice management billing professionals, announced its two recent presentations to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in Baltimore and Congressional members in Washington, D.C.
On June 13, HBMA President, Jackie Willett, CHBME and members of the association’s government relations committee conveyed its annual presentation and recommendations to CMS. HBMA executives met with key CMS program directors to share the results and findings from its Provider Satisfaction Survey, which parallels the annual study put forth by CMS, the Medicare Contractor Provider Satisfaction Survey.
“One of HBMA’s primary responsibilities to its members and stakeholders across healthcare is to drive key program initiatives and address regulatory issues affecting medical billing,” says Willett. “HBMA’s executive leadership and government relations committees continue to play an integral role in discussions with CMS, Congress and other regulatory and legislative bodies in order to best advocate for the medical billing community.”
During the forum, the Office of E-Health Standards and Services reviewed with HBMA the current testing status by the Medicare Contractors for 5010. As there are no current plans to push the implementation date back, HBMA shared the association’s concern for readiness among the industry.
Other topics included discussions on the Medicare Learning Network; Accountable Care Organizations; a shared savings program mandated under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Medicare and Medicaid Recovery Audit Contractor programs; the Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System; as well as Medicare Fee for Service Claims Administration Contractor Operations.
“The Healthcare Billing & Management Association has been exceedingly helpful in spreading the word about CMS’ Medicare Learning Network® (MLN) and its inventory of provider education products,” says Valerie Haugen, director, Division of Provider Information Planning & Development, Provider Communications Group, CMS. “Members of HBMA have provided us with pertinent feedback on our products and ways in which we can continue to improve our service to the Medicare Fee-For-Service provider community. We value the working relationship that exists between the MLN and HBMA.”
On June 14, HBMA representatives traveled to Washington, D.C., to present to more than 30 members of Congress on behalf of the association’s membership. In addition to other ongoing issues within healthcare reform, the association focused on two issues of significance to HBMA members: the three percent IRS withholding on payments in excess of $10,000 and the urgent need for a long-term fix to the Sustainable Growth Rate.
About HBMA
A non-profit, member-led trade association, the Healthcare Billing & Management Association (HBMA) represents more than 30,000 employees at well over 700 third-party medical billing firms. Annually, HBMA companies submit more than 350 million initial claims on behalf of hospital-based physicians, office-based physicians and other allied healthcare providers. Founded in 1993, HBMA and its members foster personal development, advocate on the behalf of the profession, and promote cooperation through a wide range of business resources, educational events, networking opportunities, certification programs and adherence to the Medical Biller’s Code of Ethics. As the only trade association representing the interests of medical billers in Washington D.C., HBMA works with legislative stakeholders and federal agencies to improve the business of medical billing and the practice of healthcare. Learn more about how HBMA is elevating the medical billing profession at www.hbma.org.
CONTACT:
Dodge Communications
Press contact information:
Dave Anderson, 770-576-2547
[email protected]
or
HBMA
Brad Lund, 877-640-4262
Executive Director
[email protected]
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