Provider groups rally against planned 2021 Medicare rate cuts

Why This Topic Matters

The article explains a major proposed Medicare payment change that could affect reimbursement patterns, specialty-level fee impacts, and advocacy activity surrounding the 2021 fee schedule.

Article Sections

1. Overview of the proposed Medicare fee schedule changes

   Introduces the planned Medicare physician fee schedule update and the general reasons provider groups are concerned. Summarizes the payment-policy context and broad areas affected.

2. Calculation of the CY 2021 PFS Conversion Factor

   Presents the components used in the proposed physician fee schedule conversion factor calculation. Focuses on the update framework and related adjustments.

3. Projected service-level and specialty-level impacts

   Describes the anticipated reimbursement effects on selected services and on several specialty groups. Notes which provider categories are expected to be affected most.

4. Calculation of the CY 2021 Anesthesia Conversion Factor

   Outlines the separate anesthesia conversion factor discussion and its proposed adjustment components. Places the anesthesia changes in the broader fee schedule context.

5. Rapid responses

   Summarizes the reaction from medical organizations and specialty associations. Covers advocacy efforts directed at federal lawmakers and CMS policy concerns.