Pay cut projected for 2004 ; don't look for help from CMS

Article Overview

This news analysis examines the preliminary Medicare Part B payment update projected for 2004 and the broader policy discussion around physician reimbursement. It is aimed at physicians, coders, practice managers, and specialty society staff who follow Medicare payment policy, CMS commentary, and physician fee schedule developments. The article discusses how spending and utilization trends are influencing the outlook, how CMS is viewing the issue, and how physician groups are responding to the possibility of another negative update.