2010 predictions: A permanent pay fix, health reform and Medicare Advantage

Why This Topic Matters

These policy shifts can influence physician reimbursement, plan participation, administrative workflows, and the direction of CMS payment experiments. Readers tracking Medicare and health reform developments will want to understand the likely scope of change and the areas most likely to affect practice operations.

Article Sections

1. Permanent Medicare payment fix

   Forecasts and commentary on expected action to address the Medicare physician payment formula and related short-term extensions.

2. Health reform and administrative simplification

   Discussion of anticipated health reform provisions that could affect plan administration and verification processes.

3. Medicare Advantage payment outlook

   Predictions about changes to Medicare Advantage payments and the expected effect on plan participation and beneficiary options.

4. CMS demonstration programs and payment innovation

   Coverage of expected federal demonstrations involving new payment and delivery system concepts under CMS oversight.