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CMS MLN Connects Weekly Newsletter · May 27, 2026 · Primary source

MLN Connects Newsletter for May 28, 2026

Score 66PRIMARYregulatoryCMS

Summary

The May 28, 2026 MLN Connects newsletter announces a forthcoming PEPPER relaunch for all Medicare facility types and repeats the July 31, 2026 CLFS data reporting deadline for applicable laboratories. CMS updated the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual, Chapter 15, Section 110.8 with new DMEPOS benefit category determinations. An OIG compliance item warns dermatologists that approximately 61.5% of Medicare E/M claims in 2019 and 2020 were billed on the same day as a minor surgical procedure by the same practitioner, and that such E/M services are generally bundled into the global surgery fee unless a significant separately identifiable service was performed and modifier 25 is used with supporting documentation.

What this may mean

Dermatologists billing Medicare E/M services on the same day as a minor surgical procedure must use modifier 25 and maintain documentation supporting a significant, separately identifiable service unrelated to the surgical decision, or the E/M payment is improper under global surgery rules. DMEPOS suppliers must apply the updated benefit category determinations in Medicare Benefit Policy Manual Chapter 15, Section 110.8 when classifying items. Applicable laboratories face the July 31, 2026, CLFS reporting deadline.

Informational only. Not legal, medical, financial, or other professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional familiar with your specific facts before relying on any item.

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