Medicare postpones controversial ‘anti-markup’ provision ‘til 2009

Why This Topic Matters

The article matters because it summarizes a CMS delay in implementing a payment-policy change that could affect how physician practices bill for diagnostic imaging and other services. Readers following Medicare compliance and practice reimbursement updates need to know which parts were postponed, which remained effective, and that CMS planned additional guidance.

Article Sections

1. Medicare postpones anti-markup provision

   Introduces the CMS decision to delay most of the rule and notes the timeframe referenced in the final rule. The section frames the impact on physician practices and billing concerns.

2. Portions that remained in effect

   Summarizes the limited parts of the policy that continued to apply and identifies the general categories of services affected. The section focuses on what the postponement did not change.

3. Why practices objected

   Describes the concerns raised by physician groups about how the revised policy could affect imaging services at different practice locations. It also notes CMS’s stated concerns about clarity in the rule language.

4. What comes next

   Outlines the agency’s plan to study the issue further and consider future clarifying guidance or additional rulemaking. This section points to possible follow-up actions from CMS.