Source: American Academy of Family Physicians Washington, DC, Office
On July 12, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) put on display the eagerly anticipated Medicare physician fee schedule, which also includes new information on MACRA implementation.
The proposed rule would make changes to outpatient Medicare Evaluation and Management requirements by collapsing levels 2-5 under one standard for documentation, and proposes add-on payments for E/M codes. As part of this proposed rule, CMS posted a press release, a fact sheet, and a fact sheet specific to Year 3 of the Quality Payment Program (QPP).
CMS Administrator Seema Verma noted that CMS projects that the rule would save 51 hours per physician per year conducting medical documentation, and that the E/M payment change is budget neutral. In addition, there are important changes to telemedicine payment designed to make it easier to send images, allow for virtual check-ins, and more easily bill for telephonic and video services.
The American Academy of Family Physicians is reviewing the proposal, will create a summary for members, and will submit comments to the agency before the Monday, September 10, deadline.