Proposed 2013 fee schedule released: Primary care practices get pay raise

Why This Topic Matters

The proposed fee schedule can affect physician reimbursement, service-level payment adjustments, and practice planning for the coming year. Understanding the broad areas covered in the proposal helps readers assess potential operational and financial impact before final rules or congressional action are settled.

Article Sections

1. Proposed 2013 Medicare physician fee schedule overview

   Introduces the main payment update themes in the proposed schedule and frames the discussion around Medicare physician reimbursement for the upcoming year.

2. Advanced imaging cut

   Discusses a policy change affecting payment adjustments for advanced diagnostic imaging services and identifies the operational context in which CMS is implementing the change.

3. Conversion factor (CF)

   Summarizes the proposed update to the Medicare physician payment conversion factor and places it in the context of the broader payment update process.

4. Preventive services

   Notes a proposal related to preventive services in the telehealth setting and the broader service coverage implications.