A new MLN Matters provider education article is now available on the MLN website at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/SE0837.pdf
This Special Edition article assists all providers who will be affected by Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) implementations. This article alerts providers as to what to expect as your FI or carrier transitions its work to a MAC and how to prepare for the MAC implementations. We hope that this article will help to minimize any disruption in your Medicare business.
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November Flu Shot Reminder
"Flu season is here! Medicare patients give many reasons for not getting their annual flu shot, including—"It causes the flu" "I don't need it" "It has side effects" "It's not effective" "I didn't think about it" "I don't like needles!" The fact is that every year in the United States, on average, about 36,000 people die from influenza. Greater than 90 percent of these deaths occur in individuals 65 years of age and older. You can help your Medicare patients overcome these odds and their personal barriers through patient education. Talk with your Medicare patients about the importance of getting an annual flu shot--and don't forget to immunize yourself and your staff. Protect yourself, your patients, and your family and friends. Get Your Flu Shot - Not the Flu. Remember - Influenza vaccine plus its administration are covered Part B benefits. Note that influenza vaccine is NOT a Part D covered drug.
For information about Medicare's coverage of the influenza virus vaccine and its administration as well as related educational resources for health care professionals and their staff, please go to http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts/Downloads/flu_products.pdfon the CMS website. To download the Medicare Part B Immunization Billing quick reference chart, go to http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts/downloads/qr_immun_bill.pdf on the CMS website. A copy of this quick reference chart can be ordered, free of charge, by going to the MLN Products web page and clicking on "MLN Product Ordering Page" in the Related Links Inside CMS section of the web page.
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