On November 1, 2011 CMS posted the 2012 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) with comment period.
The following items are the major changes included in the final rule with comment period:
- 27.4% SGR downward adjustment for services provide on or after January 1, 2012 (unless Congress intervenes). The reduction will be on the Conversion Factor CMS uses to convert the RVU assigned to each code to an actual dollar amount.
- CMS is expanding its multiple procedure payment reduction policy to the professional interpretation of advance imaging services.
- Absent any additional legislation, CMS is implementing the provision that an independent laboratory may not bill the Medicare contractor for the technical component of physician pathology services furnished to fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries who are inpatients or outpatients on or after January 1, 2012.
The complete 2012 MPFS Final Rule with Comment Period may be found at the following link: http://ofr.gov/OFRUpload/OFRData/2011-28597_PI.pdf.
We recommend Medicare providers review the 2012 MPFS Final Rule in its entirety.
HC Healthcare Consulting staff includes certified coders, physicians, consultants certified in healthcare compliance and statisticians that are available to provide expert assistance with your Medicare and Medicaid compliance programs.
DISCLAIMER: This newsletter contains only summary information and highlights; it should be read in conjunction with the full article or document provided as a link. Any advice or recommendations given is general and specific questions should be directed to professional counsel.
