July 2022

Source: mHealth Intelligence

Researchers found that using telehealth to consult with pediatric infectious disease specialists can lead to a 32 percent decrease in antibiotic use in nurseries.

July 18, 2022 – Researchers found that using telehealth to conduct consultations with a pediatric infectious disease specialist at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio helped reduce the need for antibiotic use among newborns in nurseries across South Texas.

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio includes five professional schools and 7,200 employees. Its clinical practice comprises more than 2 million patient visits yearly.

As telehealth use skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers have kept track of its effect on treatment and the extent to which patients benefit.

Keeping antibiotic use among newborn babies in check is important because the medications may have unwanted side effects, such as killing healthy bacteria that babies need to combat various issues, like gut problems and asthma.

“With unnecessary or prolonged antibiotics, the normal, healthy bacteria of babies is disrupted,” said pediatrician Joseph Cantey, MD, first author and consulting specialist for the study from UT Health San Antonio, in a press release. “Ten to 15 years ago, we treated all babies with the slightest risk of infection just to be safe. Then we started to understand the protection afforded by these normal bacteria. Now we are trying to be much more select with who needs to be exposed to antibiotics. Even a couple of doses at birth matter.”

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Source: CMS.gov – Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Medicare Parts A & B

On July 7, 2022, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule that announces and solicits public comments on proposed policy changes for Medicare payments under the Physician Fee Schedule (PFS), and other Medicare Part B issues, effective on or after January 1, 2023.

The calendar year (CY) 2023 PFS proposed rule is one of several proposed rules that reflect a broader Administration-wide strategy to create a more equitable health care system that results in better accessibility, quality, affordability, and innovation.

Background on the Physician Fee Schedule

Since 1992, Medicare payment has been made under the PFS for the services of physicians and other billing professionals. Physicians’ services paid under the PFS are furnished in a variety of settings, including physician offices, hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs), skilled nursing facilities and other post-acute care settings, hospices, outpatient dialysis facilities, clinical laboratories, and beneficiaries’ homes. Payment is also made to several types of suppliers for technical services, most often in settings for which no institutional payment is made.

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