CMS Clarifies COVID Test Requirements for Medicare COVID Inpatient Enhancement

For hospital inpatient admissions occurring on or after September 1, the Centers  for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has clarified that hospitals will be required to document a positive COVID-19 test in order to obtain the 20 percent add-on to regular MSDRG payment. Hospitals can include positive tests obtained during the admission process or testing by other entities within 14 days of the admission. (Andrew Busz, andrewb@wsha.org).