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Medicare Transmittals: Policy Changes and Coverage Updates

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued several transmittals in late 2024 detailing policy changes and coverage updates for Medicare. These updates affect various aspects of Medicare benefits, billing, and claims processing, with implementation dates extending into 2025.

Medicare Transmittals and Updates

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued several transmittals and updates for Medicare in late December 2023. These documents provide guidance on coding, payment systems, and policy clarifications for healthcare providers. Key updates include changes to ICD-10, IVIG items, ACO REACH model APIs, and the ASC payment system.

Medicare Policy Updates and Coding Changes

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued several transmittals detailing policy updates and coding changes for Medicare in 2026. These updates cover various areas including the Review Choice Demonstration, SSI/Medicare beneficiary data, preventive services, error rate testing, and specific payment systems. The implementation dates for these changes range from April to May 2026.

2025 Medicare Transmittals and Implementation Dates

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released its 2025 transmittals, detailing updates and implementation dates for various Medicare programs. These documents outline changes to payment systems, data reporting, and operational procedures for healthcare providers.

Joint Commission Launches Children's Health Strategy and Revises Standards

The Joint Commission has launched a new children's health strategy and is revising its accreditation and certification standards to better address the unique needs of pediatric patients. This initiative involves forming a Children's Healthcare Advisory Committee to guide the revisions.

Joint Commission Launches Accreditation 360 for Healthcare Accreditation

The Joint Commission has launched Accreditation 360, a new approach to healthcare accreditation and certification. This initiative aims to simplify processes, reduce burden by removing over 700 requirements, and enhance patient safety through outcome-based measures and data analytics.

Joint Commission, STS, ACC Partner for New Cardiac Certification

The Joint Commission has partnered with The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) to launch a new cardiac care certification. This certification will leverage existing clinical data from STS and ACC patient registries, aiming to reduce the burden on healthcare organizations while focusing on patient outcomes.

Joint Commission and NQF Align Sentinel Event Lists

The Joint Commission and the National Quality Forum (NQF) have aligned their lists of serious reportable events, also known as sentinel events. This alignment aims to standardize reporting and improve patient safety initiatives within healthcare organizations accredited by The Joint Commission.

NAHQ, Joint Commission Launch Accreditation Micro-Credential

The National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ) and Joint Commission have launched a new Regulatory & Accreditation (R&A) Micro-Credential. This program aims to equip healthcare quality professionals with practical skills for survey readiness and adherence to regulatory requirements.

HITRUST Assessment Handbook v1.2 Updates Released

HITRUST has released version 1.2 of its Assessment Handbook, introducing updates to procedures for evidence generation, testing expectations, reporting, and inheritance eligibility. These changes will be enforced for assessments submitted on or after April 15, 2026.