Off-campus provider-based hospital outpatient departments (HOPDs) that qualify for the mid-build exception must submit the required materials to their Medicare Administrative Contractor by February 13, 2017, to qualify for the exception for services provided in 2018. The hospital must (1) attest that department requirements are met; (2) include the department on the provider’s enrollment form; and (3) and submit a written certification that the department met the mid-build requirement that is signed by the CEO or COO of the main provider. All attestations must be audited by HHS for accuracy.
Outpatient prospective payment changes. Under the 2017 Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) Final rule ( 81 FR 79562), CMS implemented section 603 of the Bipartisan Budget Act ( P.L. 114-74), which disallows payment made to off-campus HOPDs under the OPPS (see OPPS, ASC payment rates updated; off-campus PBD billing system established, November 2, 2016). This provision was created to ensure that services are billed at a uniform rate, regardless of the facility in which the services are provided.
21st Century Cures Act. Section 16001 of the 21st Century Cures Act ( P.L. 114-255) provides an important "mid-build" exception for off-campus HOPDs that had a written contract with an outside party for construction of the facility before November 2, 2015. CMS’ preliminary guidance outlines the requirements for HOPDs that qualify for the 2018 exception. It also clarifies that attestations received from providers before December 2, 2015, qualifies that provider for the exception, and that these HOPDs should continue to use the ‘PO’ modifier when billing, rather than the ‘PN’ modifier. Those that did not submit timely attestations are to use ‘PN,’ which triggers the Medicare physician fee schedule (MPFS) payment.
The Cures Act also excepted HOPDs of cancer hospitals from the change to OPPS. Departments that met the requirements of 42 C.F.R. section 413.65 between November 1, 2015, and December 13, 2016, will qualify, as long as attestation is received February 13, 2017. HOPDs of cancer hospitals that meet regulatory requirements after December 13, 2016, will be exempt as long as an attestation is received within 60 days of meeting the requirements.