Bush signs law freezing Medicare conversion factor at 2006 rate

Why This Topic Matters

The piece helps readers quickly assess how Medicare policy changes may affect cardiology reimbursement, especially for high-volume office, imaging, and hospital-related services. It is relevant for planning, fee review, and monitoring local carrier and Medicare payment updates.

Article Sections

1. Medicare fee schedule update and cardiology impact

   Introduces the late legislative change to the Medicare physician fee schedule and its general effect on cardiology practices. Summarizes the broader payment environment for the coming year.

2. What will change and what will remain the same

   Outlines the major fee schedule components affected by the legislation and those that continue unchanged. Covers conversion factor, RVUs, geographic adjustments, reporting-related incentives, imaging payment policy, therapy exceptions, screening benefit, recovery audit activity, and carrier-priced services.

3. 2007 Cardiology Medicare fee winners & losers

   Presents a comparative table of selected cardiology-related services showing revised payment patterns for 2007. Highlights services grouped as having higher or lower fees under the updated schedule.