Part B Payment: Proposed 2013 Fee Schedule Targets Cardiologists, Ophthalmologists

Why This Topic Matters

Medicare fee schedule proposals can influence reimbursement planning, operational decisions, and specialty-specific revenue expectations for the coming year. Understanding the scope of the proposed changes helps stakeholders assess potential impacts before the rule is finalized.

Article Sections

1. Proposal Would Pay for Hospital Transitions

   Discusses a proposed Medicare payment approach related to post-discharge care coordination and the broader recognition of services provided outside the office. The section focuses on policy direction rather than detailed billing instructions.

2. Multiple Procedure Cuts Could Hurt Cardiologists, Ophthalmologists

   Summarizes proposed payment changes affecting certain diagnostic services in cardiology and ophthalmology. It describes the scope of the policy issue and notes that detailed diagnostic code listings are referenced in the source article.

3. More Steep Cuts Will Hit

   Covers the projected overall Medicare payment reduction tied to the sustainable growth rate and describes how the proposal frames the broader financial outlook for practices and specialties.

4. Further cuts for some specialties:

   Reviews proposed payment adjustments affecting radiation oncology and radiation therapy settings, including policy changes tied to valuation and timing assumptions.

5. Primary care bonus:

   Describes proposed payment increases for selected primary care specialties and summarizes CMS’s rationale for supporting primary care.