Overview
Thanks to the underwriting support of HAPevolve and TPR Solutions, a HAPevolve industry partner, this webinar is complimentary for all HAP members.
The goal of the wage index factor is to adjust a hospital’s reimbursement to account for labor cost differences across the United States. Over the last several years, Congress and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have acknowledged the wage index system is broken and it is vulnerable to many inaccuracies. As part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), CMS was given a deadline of December 31, 2011 to submit a plan for wage index reform. The deadline was over 11 years ago and no changes have been implemented. TPR will provide a wage index overview, continued areas of focus, important timelines, and an update on wage index reform, and why they believe reform may be needed. TPR will also discuss the Office of Inspector General (OIG) activity related to the wage index.
During the session, the occupational mix (OM) survey will be discussed. The next OM survey will cover calendar year 2022 and it is due to the Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) on June 30, 2023. TPR will assist the audience by providing an OM survey background and illustration on how it impacts hospitals’ reimbursement. They will also share their recommendations as hospitals begin to prepare their OM surveys. In addition, TPR will discuss reclassifications—what they are and the criteria to qualify. The topic of reclassifications is one that every hospital should be aware of because of the significant financial implications involved.