Part B Insider (Multispecialty) Coding Alert
COVID PHE Gets Extended … Again
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As the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) remains in full force, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has opted to extend it further. Effective July 20, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra renewed the PHE again. This renewal will last 90 days — but HHS has previously indicated it will keep the PHE going at least through the end of this year. This is the sixth time that HHS has extended the PHE; former HHS Secretary Alex Azar originally declared the PHE on Jan. 31, 2020 and renewed it on April 21, 2020; July 23, 2020; Oct. 2, 2020; and Jan. 7, 2021. Most recently, Becerra renewed the PHE on April 15, notes PHE guidance. Review the extension details at www.phe.gov/emergency/news/healthactions/phe/Pages/COVID-19July2021.aspx. 
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