2013 fee schedule brings new rules for CRNAs, DME, drugs, outpatient therapy

Why This Topic Matters

The article helps readers understand which 2013 Medicare policy updates may affect documentation, claim reporting, and practice workflows across multiple service lines.

Article Sections

1. CMS expands timeline for durable medical equipment face-to-face visit requirement

   Discusses Medicare policy changes tied to documentation and ordering requirements for certain DME items, along with the related billing context for the documentation work.

2. Use new modifiers and G-codes by July 1 for outpatient therapy claims

   Summarizes reporting updates for outpatient therapy claims, including changes related to functional status reporting, treatment milestones, and discharge reporting.

3. Brown-bagging ban starts Jan. 1, 2013

   Covers a Medicare policy update affecting how drugs used in pain pump refills are purchased and billed under the fee schedule.

4. Broader privileges for non-physician practitioners

   Reviews expanded practice and ordering privileges for certain non-physician practitioners and related provider categories.

5. Easier reporting requirements for measures groups

   Describes changes to Medicare quality reporting measures groups and participation requirements for the 2013 reporting year.