decisionhealth Newsletters, Part B News - 2017 Issue 11 (November)
2018 fee schedule final rule roundup: Payment, policy, PQRS, Shared Savings changes
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Article Overview
This roundup explains major 2018 Medicare physician fee schedule final rule updates and related CMS policy changes. It is useful for physicians, coders, billers, compliance staff, and practice managers who need a high-level view of changes affecting payment, reporting, telehealth, care management, therapy, imaging, anesthesia, and Shared Savings ACO operations. The article also highlights several code-set updates and administrative changes that may affect claim submission and reimbursement workflows.
Why This Topic Matters
The final rule touches many areas of Medicare reimbursement and compliance, so practices need to know which services, reporting pathways, and program rules are changing for the 2018 cycle. Understanding the scope helps organizations assess operational impact without relying on the premium article text.
Article Sections
-
Payment changes
Overview of physician fee schedule payment updates affecting multiple specialties and service categories. Covers valuation, RVU, and equipment-related changes discussed in the final rule.
-
Policy changes
Summary of policy and coverage-related updates for therapy, telehealth, AUC, and related Medicare billing requirements. Includes general program timing and operational impacts.
-
PQRS and value-based modifier
Discussion of quality reporting requirements and adjustments tied to Medicare quality programs. Addresses reporting thresholds and related payment adjustments at a high level.
-
Shared Savings program changes
Outline of CMS updates affecting Shared Savings ACO participation, beneficiary assignment, quality scoring, and related administrative rules. Focuses on program structure and reporting changes.
What You Will Learn
- Which broad service categories were affected by the 2018 physician fee schedule final rule
- How CMS framed payment and valuation updates across multiple specialties
- What types of policy changes were made for therapy, telehealth, and imaging-related services
- How PQRS and the value-based modifier were adjusted for the 2018 reporting cycle
- What Shared Savings program changes may affect ACO operations and beneficiary assignment
Who Should Read This
- Physician practices
- Medical coders
- Medical billers
- Compliance staff
- Practice managers
- Healthcare reimbursement analysts
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
Modifiers Discussed
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Quick, Current, Complete - www.findacode.com