Higher E/M pay to be proposed, backed by CMS

Why This Topic Matters

It helps readers understand pending federal payment policy changes that may affect physician reimbursement, quality reporting expectations, and Medicare administrative processes.

Article Sections

1. CMS support for proposed E/M payment increases

   Discusses CMS backing for proposed changes to physician work RVUs and broader payment updates under the RUC review process. Covers the policy context and rulemaking status at a high level.

2. Time to look at SGR, P4P

   Reviews CMS interest in reforming Medicare payment methodology and linking reimbursement concepts to quality reporting. Also addresses quality measure development, the Provider Voluntary Reporting Program, and gainsharing discussions.

3. Patients to gain access to payment amounts

   Summarizes plans to publicize Medicare payment amounts for common services and notes possible inclusion of private payer data.

4. Congressman: Permanent pay fix a hard sell in election year

   Covers congressional commentary on prospects for temporary versus permanent Medicare payment fixes and broader political discussion of the payment update formula.