Big cuts loom for your imaging PE relative values

Why This Topic Matters

Changes to PE RVUs can materially alter Medicare payment levels for high-volume cardiology and imaging services, affecting office-based operations, service site shifts, and revenue planning.

Article Sections

1. Overview of CMS practice expense RVU changes

   Introduces CMS’s consideration of alternate PE calculation methods and the potential effects on cardiology reimbursement. Summarizes the broader context of physician fee schedule changes and specialty concerns.

2. Cardiology and nuclear medicine concerns

   Describes reactions from specialty organizations and the general concern about how the proposed approaches may affect in-office imaging services. Mentions CMS resources and the public review process.

3. Effects on imaging, catheterization, and other services

   Discusses the categories of services that may see payment decreases or increases under the draft methods. Covers the broader operational implications for office-based and facility-based services.

4. Other Medicare payment changes affecting imaging practices

   Summarizes additional payment policy issues affecting cardiology practices, including multiple imaging reductions, hospital outpatient comparisons, and the AMA RUC five-year review.

5. Fee comparison table by code

   Provides a comparative table of current Medicare fees and projected fees under the four methods for selected cardiology and imaging services. The table is organized into winners and losers based on the source presentation.