Read the Winter 2022 Issue of “Vertebral Columns” In this issue of Vertebral Columns, contributors provide updates on various techniques and tools to enhance patient outcomes. First, the editorial makes the case for transitioning cases to ambulatory surgical centers. Additional articles highlight endoscopic spine surgery, address osteoporosis in the spine, and review complications...
HHS Distributing $2 Billion More in Provider Relief Fund Payments to Health Care Providers Impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic On January 25, 2022, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that it will be disbursing an additional $2 billion in Provider Relief Fund Phase 4 payments this week. Like the payments allocated...
Public Health Emergency Declaration Extended On January 14, 2022, the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services announced the extension of the Public Health Emergency (PHE) status due to COVID-19. The declaration was first issued January 31, 2020, by former Secretary Alex M. Azar II. With this most recent extension, the PHE status...
No Surprises Act Goes Into Effect, Subjecting Providers to Possible Billing Dispute Resolutions The No Surprises Act went into effect on January 1, 2022, to provide a mechanism to resolve payment disputes over out-of-network billing. A lawsuit filed on December 8, 2021, by a coalition of stakeholders representing hospitals, health systems, and physicians sued the...