Fourth quarter ASP list stable; but for 2009, there are big gains, losses

Why This Topic Matters

ASP updates affect Medicare Part B drug payment amounts, so even modest pricing changes can influence reimbursement and practice billing operations. The article helps readers monitor which commonly billed drugs changed most during the quarter and over the course of 2009.

Article Sections

1. Quarterly ASP update overview

   Summarizes the general direction of CMS pricing for the fourth quarter and compares overall movement across the drug list. It also notes factors affecting broad price shifts.

2. Pricing methodology and file notes

   Explains details about the quarterly ASP file, including rounding observations and the effective date range for the pricing update. This section also frames the analysis period used in the article.

3. Drugs with large 2009 price gains

   Highlights selected frequently billed drugs that showed notable increases during 2009. The section presents a short list of billing items with strong upward movement.

4. Drugs with large 2009 price decreases

   Highlights selected frequently billed drugs that showed notable decreases during 2009. The section presents a short list of billing items with strong downward movement.

5. Key ASP changes for Part B drugs for fourth quarter 2009

   Provides tabulated fourth-quarter payment changes for top-billed drugs, organized into decreases and increases. The section focuses on CMS pricing changes relevant to Part B drug billing.