FTC files appeal in LabMD case; CMS releases reminder to NCDs, LCDs on ICD-10;

News From Around the Web

> The Federal Trade Commissioner is appealing an administrative law judge's ruling in its case against LabMD following an alleged 2008 data breach; last week the judge dismissed the case, saying the agency failed to prove the breach harmed, or could potentially harm, consumers. In a statement on the appeal, the organization Cause of Action's director said it "looks forward to contesting the FTC's appeal." Appeal

> The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has released a clarification and reminder to National Coverage Determinations and Local Coverage Determinations that "all Medicare local and national coverage policies are translated for ICD-10, and providers must bill using ICD-10 codes for services rendered on or after October 1, 2015 in order to receive payment." Announcement (.pdf)

Provider News

> One Arkansas hospital system has cut readmissions nearly 90 percent by addressing both direct and indirect contributing factors, according to Executive Insight. Article

> Medical helicopters so well-equipped that one hospital leader calls them "flying intensive care units" are helping people in the rural upper Midwest get emergency medical care that otherwise would be out of reach, the Duluth (Minnesota) News Tribune reported. Article

Practice Management News

> Off-label prescribing is a common practice for physicians, particularly when treating some of their sickest patients for whom other remedies have failed, according to an article from the Wall Street Journal. Article

And Finally... Hello, it's me ... and Jimmy Fallon. Article