Calculating the practice impact of 2009 code and fee changes

Why This Topic Matters

For practices that frequently bill the services discussed, even modest fee or coding changes can materially affect revenue projections and budgeting for the year ahead. The article helps readers identify which service lines need review and where to look for official fee schedule data.

Article Sections

1. Echocardiography and stress echo fee impact

   Compares broad reimbursement changes affecting echocardiography and stress echo services. It frames how practices may estimate revenue impact when service combinations change between years.

2. New device monitoring codes

   Discusses the introduction of new device monitoring service categories and the general challenges of comparing them with prior-year reporting patterns. It also touches on remote services, telephone checks, and programming evaluations at a high level.

3. Calculating 2009 Medicare fees

   Outlines a general method for estimating Medicare allowable amounts using relative value data and geographic practice cost information. It references CMS as the source for the fee schedule resources.