2012 fee schedule: SGR cut now 27.4%

Why This Topic Matters

The fee schedule affects Medicare reimbursement, reporting obligations, and operational planning for a wide range of practices. Understanding the scope of the 2012 changes helps practices prepare for payment shifts, compliance updates, and reporting requirements.

Article Sections

1. Payment update and projected fee impacts

   Summarizes the Medicare physician payment update and examples of how selected services are affected under the 2012 fee schedule.

2. Advocacy response and publication timing

   Describes physician group reaction to the schedule release and notes the timing of the final rule and effective date.

3. Multiple procedure payment reduction for test interpretations

   Reviews CMS changes affecting professional component payment for certain diagnostic imaging interpretations.

4. New annual wellness visit mandates

   Explains new documentation and process requirements associated with annual wellness visits.

5. Three-day payment window for hospital-run practices

   Outlines policy changes affecting hospital-owned or hospital-operated practices and related payment setting updates.

6. Mixed RVU changes for 2012

   Summarizes RVU finalization for selected codes and broader changes identified in the fee schedule.

7. E-Prescribe reporting changes

   Covers revised electronic prescribing reporting thresholds, reporting methods, and related incentive and penalty framework changes.