Proposed 2009 fee schedule would require new imaging standards

Why This Topic Matters

The proposed changes could affect physician reimbursement, diagnostic testing oversight, telehealth billing options, supply pricing reviews, and quality reporting obligations. Readers who bill Medicare services need to understand the scope and timing of these updates to assess operational impact and prepare for future policy changes.

Article Sections

1. Proposed 2009 physician fee schedule changes

   Overview of CMS’s proposed updates to the physician fee schedule and the general payment context for 2009. The section introduces several categories of regulatory and reimbursement changes under review.

2. Diagnostic testing standards and telehealth billing

   Discussion of proposed changes affecting physician-provided diagnostic testing standards and billing for telehealth-delivered follow-up inpatient consultations. The section focuses on Medicare policy updates affecting these services.

3. Misvalued services, high-cost supplies, and quality reporting

   Summary of CMS efforts to identify potentially misvalued services, review high-cost supply pricing, and expand the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative. The section also notes the related comment and implementation timeline.

4. Medicare pay hold officially ends

   Brief update on the status of the Medicare payment hold and the pending legislative and administrative timeline. The section discusses when payment changes were expected to resume and the uncertainty around final timing.