Fee schedule round-up: More policy updates coming your way

Why This Topic Matters

These updates can affect reimbursement, compliance workflows, and how certain services are reported or valued under Medicare. Readers who work with PFS policy, specialty-based payment issues, or behavioral health billing will want to know which areas changed and where CMS is still seeking input.

Article Sections

1. Global surgical bundles

   Discussion of CMS commentary on global package valuation and ongoing policy interest in this area within the Medicare physician fee schedule.

2. Expected specialty assignment

   Overview of added specialty assignment entries for low-volume services and the general impact of this table-based update.

3. Clinical labor pricing updates

   Summary of revised clinical labor pricing for selected job roles during the phase-in period and a correction noted in prior rulemaking.

4. Electronic prescription requirement

   Explanation of the Medicare Part D e-prescribing compliance timeline and the non-compliance notice approach described in the final rule.

5. Behavioral health care management code

   Announcement of a new Medicare care management service for behavioral health-related billing by qualifying practitioners.

6. Physician self-referral page

   Notice regarding where future designated health services code list updates will be published and how public notice and comment will be handled.