Healthcare News: Possible E/M changes, 340B drug payments headline 2018 OPPS, Medicare Physician Fee Schedule proposed rules

Why This Topic Matters

These proposed rules can affect documentation workflows, outpatient reimbursement, drug payment policy, and operational planning for hospitals and physician practices. Readers who follow Medicare regulatory updates can use the article to assess whether the full coverage is relevant to their specialty, facility type, or compliance responsibilities.

Article Sections

1. Overview of the 2018 proposed rules and comment period

   Introduces the two CMS proposed rules and notes the timing of their release and comment periods. Provides general context for the policy changes discussed later in the article.

2. MPFS proposals affecting E/M documentation

   Summarizes CMS discussion of possible evaluation and management documentation revisions. Focuses on the broader documentation framework and the types of guidance under consideration.

3. MPFS payment and program proposals

   Covers additional physician fee schedule proposals affecting certain outpatient department payments and the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program. Addresses implementation timing and related payment policy topics at a high level.

4. OPPS proposals affecting 340B drug reimbursement

   Reviews the outpatient payment proposal connected to hospitals participating in the 340B drug discount program. Discusses the general areas CMS is seeking feedback on and the related data-collection concept.

5. Other OPPS proposals

   Summarizes other outpatient prospective payment system topics, including supervision policy for certain hospitals, packaging proposals, and the annual rate update. These items are presented as part of the broader OPPS rulemaking package.