Single-rate E/M pay structure creates winners, losers under proposed fee schedule

Why This Topic Matters

CMS payment methodology changes can shift reimbursement across specialties and influence coding, billing, and budgeting decisions. Readers need to understand the scope of the proposal and which provider groups may be more or less affected.

Article Sections

1. Proposed 2019 Medicare physician fee schedule

   Introduces the CMS proposal and the context of the 2019 Medicare physician fee schedule. Summarizes the broad nature of the outpatient E/M payment change and the specialties referenced in the article.

2. Estimated impact of proposed single RVU amounts for outpatient E/M level 2 to 5 codes

   Presents the article’s discussion of estimated payment effects across specialties and the overall direction of expected changes. Highlights the article’s focus on outpatient E/M service levels and relative reimbursement impact.