Proposed 2008 fee schedule would hit joint replacements

Why This Topic Matters

The proposed changes could affect reimbursement planning, fee schedule analysis, and practice financial forecasting for orthopedic and therapy-related services. Readers can use the article to track which Medicare policy areas may change in the coming year and to monitor whether congressional or CMS actions alter the final outcome.

Article Sections

1. Medicare fee schedule overview

   Introduces the proposed 2008 physician fee schedule and summarizes the expected overall impact on orthopedic reimbursement. It also notes the timing of the proposed and final rule process.

2. Proposed reductions affecting orthopedic payment

   Discusses the major factors contributing to lower Medicare payments for orthopedic practices. The section addresses broad payment methodology changes and the types of services most affected.

3. RVU cuts to three key surgical codes

   Highlights selected surgical procedure lines identified by CMS as facing proposed relative value unit changes. The discussion focuses on fee schedule impact for high-volume orthopedic procedures.

4. Budget adjuster strikes again

   Explains a proposed budget-neutrality adjustment to work relative value units. The section places the change in the context of Medicare payment updates affecting multiple code families.

5. In-office imaging reductions to continue

   Covers the proposed continuation of imaging payment reductions tied to Medicare policy comparisons between practice-based and facility-based services. The discussion centers on imaging reimbursement for physician offices.

6. Geographic practice cost indices (GPCIs) may also drop

   Reviews possible changes to locality-based payment adjustments under Medicare. The section notes the role of the expiring floor policy and CMS’s periodic review of local payment indices.

7. End of the PT/OT cap exceptions

   Summarizes proposed expiration of certain therapy cap exceptions and related administrative requirements. It addresses how the change would affect therapy-related Medicare payment limits and recertification expectations.

8. Resources

   Provides source links for readers who want to consult the proposed Medicare physician fee schedule and related federal publication materials.