As It Relates to You It's Not Too Late to Get a Flu Shot As healthcare providers, you know how important flu shots are to your patients, their families and the community in general. This winter, they’re more essential than ever due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Flu shots are especially important for those at high risk from influenza, many of whom are also at high risk for contracting COVID-19 or developing serious outcomes if they do.
Beginning January 1, 2021, Medicare members will have acupuncture as a covered service for those experiencing lower back pain, headaches and neck pain. In order for acupuncture to be covered for back pain, the pain must be present for at least 12 weeks and have no systemic cause, such as from surgery or pregnancy.
COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution
There is a new contact number for urgent authorization requests for acute inpatient hospitals and skilled nursing facilities for Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Due to the 1135 Waiver, we have the flexibility to waive the current national and local coverage determinations that otherwise restrict coverage of the home-use of oxygen for the remainder of 2020. This change will allow practitioners the option of treating their patients with home-use of oxygen during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Unless further guidance is provided, we’ll return to enforcement of these clinical indications for coverage on January 1, 2021.