Question:
Can you tell me more about how the proposed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule will impact laboratory services?
Answer:
With the proposed rule, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is working to incorporate 2021 changes created by the American Medical Association (AMA) E/M workgroup. Evaluation and management (E/M) office visits and services for primary care are expected to see an increase while cuts are proposed for other specialty services and procedures. According to the College of American Pathologists (CAP), the regulation projects an eight percent cut in pathology payments along with a four percent cut for independent laboratories. They note that the ultimate impact on pathologists starting in 2021 will be based upon the case-mix.
This question was answered in an edition of our Laboratory Compliance Manager. For more hot topics relating to laboratory services, please visit our store or call us at 1.800.252.1578, ext. 2.
