Will COVID-19 Positivity Rates Increase in September?

Bricker & Eckler reported on August 24, 2020, Section 3710 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act enables healthcare providers to earn an incremental 20% for Medicare beneficiaries diagnosed with COVID-19 disease, who are discharged from the hospital during the COVID-19 public health emergency. To address the potential integrity risks associated with this 20% additional reimbursement, CMS has issued updated guidance on August 17, 2020, regarding the implementation of Section 3710. 

Effective for patient admissions occurring on or after September 1, 2020, claims eligible for the 20% increase payment must have a positive COVID-19 laboratory test documented in the patient’s medical record.