Physician_Fee_Schedule_Rules / 2000

Why This Topic Matters

The rule affects Medicare Part B payment policy, relative value unit development, and several coding and supervision issues that can influence physician reimbursement and billing operations. It also shows how CMS/HCFA addressed comments, interim values, and refinement processes for the 2000 fee schedule year.

Article Sections

1. Ed. Note: For further information see

   Cross-references to related PBAB chapter topics and supervision guidance are listed here.

2. Table of Contents

   The rule’s major topics and subtopics are organized for reference, including background, proposals, refinement, conversion factor, and addenda.

3. I. Background

   This section summarizes the legislative and policy background for the physician fee schedule and the structure of payment components.

4. II. Specific Proposals for Calendar Year 2000 and Responses to Public Comments

   The article discusses proposed payment-policy changes and the responses received during the public comment process.

5. A. Resource-Based Malpractice Relative Value Units

   This section addresses the move to resource-based malpractice valuation and the associated implementation and comment issues.

6. B. Resource-Based Practice Expense Relative Value Units

   This section discusses the practice expense methodology, transition requirements, and related refinement issues.

7. III. Refinement of Relative Value Units for Calendar Year 2000 and Response to Public Comments on Interim Relative Value Units for 1999

   This section covers refinement activity, interim values, and responses to comments on relative value units.

8. IV. Five Year Refinement of Relative Value Units

   This section outlines the broader five-year review process for work relative value units and related comment procedures.

9. V. Physician Fee Schedule Update and Conversion Factor for Calendar Year 2000

   This section identifies the annual update and conversion factor for the fee schedule year.

10. VI. Provisions of the Final Rule

    This section summarizes the final regulatory provisions adopted in the rule.

11. VII. Collection of Information Requirements

    This section addresses paperwork and information collection implications of the rule.

12. VIII. Response to Comments

    This section responds to stakeholder feedback on the proposed changes and methodology.

13. IX. Regulatory Impact Analysis

    This section discusses the projected policy impacts and regulatory effects across the major subject areas.

14. Addendum A--Explanation and Use of Addenda B

    This addendum explains how the accompanying fee schedule addenda are used.

15. Addendum B--Relative Value Units and Related Information Used in Determining Medicare Payments for Calendar Year 2000

    This addendum contains the relative value unit information referenced throughout the rule.

16. Addendum C--Codes with Interim RVUs

    This addendum lists procedure codes with interim relative value units.

17. Addendum D--GPCI File

    This addendum provides geographic practice cost index information used in payment calculations.

18. Addendum E--Reference Set with 2000 Work RVUs

    This addendum provides the reference set for work relative value units for 2000.