Policy updates, payer changes, and compliance requirements continue to evolve across healthcare operations and reimbursement.

Here are a few developments physician practices should be watching this month.

 CMS Moves Claims Documentation Toward Digital Standards

HHS finalized new HIPAA standards requiring electronic attachments for certain healthcare claims and prior authorization transactions, reducing reliance on fax and manual documentation. The rule takes effect May 26, 2026, with industry compliance required by May 26, 2028.

 View the CMS Fact Sheet ➝

 UHC Updates Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Policy

UnitedHealthcare has updated its medical policy for catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation, effective June 1, 2026. The policy includes new language around medical necessity criteria, documentation expectations, and limitations for certain asymptomatic patients with preserved ejection fraction.

For cardiology and electrophysiology practices, careful documentation and coding alignment will remain important for supporting reimbursement and reducing denials.

 View the full policy update ➝

 MGMA Supports No Surprises Act Enforcement Bill

MGMA and nearly 100 medical societies are urging Congress to pass the bipartisan No Surprises Act Enforcement Act (H.R. 4710 / S. 2420).

The bill would address ongoing concerns around delayed or non-payment from health plans following Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) decisions in favor of physician practices by establishing penalties for missed payment timelines.

 Read the full update ➝

 Texas Physicians: CME Tracking Changes Ahead

Texas physicians should be aware of upcoming CME tracking changes tied to CE Broker and medical license renewal requirements.

While CE Broker will not become mandatory until September 1, 2026, physicians are encouraged to create a free account and begin preparing now. CME tracking will be based on your license renewal date, not the calendar year.

 Learn more about CE Broker requirements and setup ➝

 Locum Billing Rules Are Not the Same Across Payers

Many practices use temporary physician coverage (“locum tenens”), but billing requirements can vary significantly by payer.

While Medicare allows locum billing in certain situations, other payers may require credentialing, enrollment, or billing under the rendering provider’s own NPI.

Incorrect billing can create compliance risk, denials, or audit exposure.

 View our quick locum billing reference guide ➝

 Reminder: Ambetter No Longer Covers CPT Codes G2211 & G2212

As of April 1, 2026, Ambetter no longer covers CPT codes G2211 and G2212.

Practices using these add-on codes for visit complexity and prolonged outpatient E/M services should review payer reimbursement policies and monitor for potential billing and reimbursement impacts.

 If you have questions, please contact your Provider Relations Representative.

Ask Peregrine

Q: A pharmacy wants to handle our prior authorizations at no cost. Should we move forward?

A: Proceed carefully.

Prior authorizations are considered part of a practice’s operational responsibilities, and offering “free” support may create compliance concerns depending on how the arrangement is structured.

Before entering into these agreements, practices should carefully evaluate the legal and regulatory implications.

 Read More: Can a Pharmacy Handle Prior Authorizations for Free?

Questions like these are becoming increasingly common as practices navigate growing operational and compliance complexity.

What questions can we help answer for your practice?