decisionhealth Newsletters, Part B News - 2009 Issue 5 (May)
Massive new bonus payments being considered for reform bill
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Article Overview
This article examines policy options being discussed by Senate Finance Committee leaders as part of a broader health reform package. It is relevant to physicians, coders, compliance staff, and payment policy readers interested in Medicare bonus proposals, quality reporting programs, and future changes affecting imaging services and fee schedule payment. The discussion is framed around committee deliberations, advisory input, and a draft options document rather than final enacted policy.
Why This Topic Matters
The piece outlines potential payment policy directions that could affect physician reimbursement, quality reporting participation, and imaging-related payment adjustments. Readers tracking Medicare and health reform developments may use it to understand which categories of provider services and reporting programs are under consideration.
Article Sections
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Primary care, general surgery bonuses
Discusses proposed bonus payment concepts for certain physician services and areas of provider shortage. The section also references the time frame and funding approach under consideration.
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PQRI bolstered by more bonuses
Covers proposed enhancements to quality reporting participation incentives and related program administration. It also mentions feedback and appeals process ideas tied to the reporting program.
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Adding imaging ‘appropriateness criteria'
Summarizes proposed policy development for advanced diagnostic imaging services and how compliance measurement might be incorporated over time. The section addresses planning stages, analytics, and potential future payment variation.
What You Will Learn
- What categories of physician payment changes were being discussed in the reform draft
- How quality reporting incentives were being expanded conceptually
- How advanced diagnostic imaging policy ideas were being tied to appropriateness criteria and future payment adjustments
- Which organizations and congressional entities were involved in evaluating the options
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Compliance professionals
- Physician practice managers
- Health policy analysts
- Billing staff
- Revenue cycle teams
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
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