CMS plans to phase out 10-, 90-day global periods, change locum tenens

Why This Topic Matters

The proposed changes could affect how physician services are reported, valued, and operationalized across multiple specialties and practice settings. Readers who bill Medicare or manage coding workflows should understand which policy areas are under review and how they may alter reporting and reimbursement processes.

Article Sections

1. Global period proposals and payment revaluation

   Discusses CMS proposals related to global surgery periods and the process the agency describes for gathering data and revaluing services. It also addresses budget neutrality considerations tied to the proposed changes.

2. Locum tenens rules

   Covers CMS questions about substitute physician arrangements and potential program changes. The section addresses compliance concerns, staffing use, and claim-related identification issues at a high level.

3. More provisions in proposed fee schedule

   Summarizes additional CMS proposals affecting a range of service categories, including screening, imaging, malpractice valuation, telehealth, incident-to services, and quality reporting.

4. Online only bonus coverage

   Presents further proposed fee schedule items focused on measure counts, misvalued codes, obesity counseling, prostate biopsy reporting, abdominal aortic aneurysm ultrasound valuation, and digital mammography code updates.