2013 physician fee schedule - CMS releases fees for nerve conduction studies, bulky therapy reporting rule

Why This Topic Matters

The article helps readers identify which 2013 Medicare payment and reporting changes may affect practice workflows, claim submission, and compliance planning. It is especially useful for teams tracking CMS policy updates across multiple specialties and service lines.

Article Sections

1. Overview of 2013 changes

   High-level summary of the major Medicare fee schedule and reporting changes highlighted in the issue. The section introduces the topics covered later in the article.

2. 2013 conversion factor

   Discussion of the general physician fee schedule payment update for 2013 and related payment information for selected services.

3. 2013 anesthesia conversion factor

   Overview of anesthesia payment updates for 2013 and reference to location-specific factors.

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

   Summary of a Medicare policy change affecting drug purchasing and billing practices in the pain management setting.

5. CMS widens certified registered nurse anesthetists’ scope of practice

   Discussion of CMS guidance on CRNA services and the relationship to state authorization and practice scope.

6. More opportunities to earn the physician quality reporting bonus

   Overview of changes to the physician quality reporting system and how back pain measures are handled for the reporting year.

7. Outpatient therapy claims must be backed by new modifiers and G codes by July 1

   Explanation of new outpatient therapy reporting requirements tied to functional status, goals of therapy, and impairment severity or complexity.

8. Reimbursement for durable medical equipment (DME) orders

   Discussion of payment and documentation requirements connected to face-to-face visits and orders for certain DME items.