Physicians and other providers can take a deep breath as Congress has acted to prevent the trio of Medicare payment cuts that were set to take effect at the beginning of 2022—a 3.75% cut due to scheduled changes in the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (“PFS”), a 2% cut for Medicare sequestration, and a 4% Statutory Pay-As-You-Go (“PAYGO”) Act cut would have slashed Medicare payments by nearly 10% during a tumultuous time for healthcare. The Protecting Medicare and American Farmers from Sequester Cuts Act (S. 610) was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives on December 7 and passed the U.S. Senate on December 9, 2021.  The bill has been sent to President Biden’s desk for his signature.
Continue Reading News Flash: Last Minute Congressional Action Saves Physicians from a Nearly 10% Cut to Medicare Payments

On November 2, 2021, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”) announced that it will be taking actions to advance its strategic commitment to drive innovation to support health equity and high quality, person centered care. CMS’ 2022 Physician Fee Schedule final rule (the “Final Rule”), will focus on, amongst other things:
Continue Reading Health Equity Remains a Priority for the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services in 2022

On July 12, 2018, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”) issued a proposed rule (“Proposed Rule”) that would, among other changes: (1) reduce the documentation requirements with which physicians and other practitioners must comply in providing and billing for Evaluation and Management (E/M) services under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (“PFS”) on or after January 1, 2019; and (2) revise the current reimbursement methodology for E/M services under the PFS. CMS is seeking comment on the Proposed Rule through September 10, 2018.
Continue Reading Reimbursement for and Documentation of Evaluation and Management Services: CMS Proposes Important Modifications