decisionhealth Newsletters, Part B News - 2009 Issue 7 (July)
Imaging cut, malpractice revisions among key changes in 2010 proposed fee schedule
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Article Overview
This article summarizes notable provisions in the proposed 2010 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and explains the broad policy areas affected by the rule. It is aimed at physicians, coders, billing staff, compliance teams, and practice managers who track Medicare payment changes, especially those involving practice expense methodology, imaging equipment assumptions, geographic pricing adjustments, telehealth, anesthesia, mental health, renal education, chiropractic services, and selected CPT/HCPCS items. The article also discusses proposed RVU revisions, coverage and payment updates, and other Medicare administrative changes that may affect planning for the upcoming year.
Why This Topic Matters
The proposed rule includes multiple payment and coverage changes that can affect Medicare reimbursement, budgeting, and service planning across many specialties. Understanding the scope of the proposal helps practices anticipate financial impacts and monitor which items are still under consideration.
Article Sections
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Overview of the proposed fee schedule
Introduces the proposed Medicare payment rule and frames the general categories of changes discussed in the article.
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Practice expense, imaging, and geographic payment adjustments
Covers proposed updates to practice expense inputs, imaging equipment assumptions, and geographic pricing factors used in Medicare payment calculations.
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Malpractice RVU revisions
Summarizes proposed changes related to malpractice valuation and the payment effects tied to updated data and methodology.
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Telehealth and other service coverage proposals
Reviews proposed additions and non-additions to Medicare telehealth coverage along with related service categories under consideration.
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Selected code and service payment proposals
Discusses proposed changes affecting specific CPT and HCPCS items, including reevaluations, bundled services, and special payment policies.
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Specialty-specific payment and coverage items
Addresses proposals affecting anesthesiology, audiology, chronic kidney disease education, end-stage renal disease, and chiropractic services.
What You Will Learn
- What broad payment policy areas are addressed in the proposed 2010 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule
- Which specialty service categories are affected by proposed Medicare coverage or payment changes
- How the article groups proposed revisions to valuation, telehealth, and service-specific policies
- Which general Medicare administrative updates may influence planning for the next fee schedule year
Who Should Read This
- Physicians
- Medical coders
- Billing and reimbursement staff
- Practice managers
- Compliance professionals
- Healthcare consultants
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
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