PHYSICIAN NOTES: 2009 Could Bring A 15-Percent Decrease In Your Reimbursement

Why This Topic Matters

The article highlights policy and claims-billing changes that could affect physician reimbursement, Medicare claim acceptance, and practice operations. It is useful for understanding current Medicare payment pressure and administrative compliance updates without providing a full technical rule discussion.

Article Sections

1. Congressional debate over Medicare physician payment cuts

   Discusses legislative efforts under consideration to address upcoming physician payment reductions and the broader budget options being debated. The section focuses on Medicare payment policy at the congressional level.

2. Imaging payment concerns

   Covers concerns raised about possible reductions affecting imaging services and references related advocacy from senators and committee discussions. The section addresses the policy context surrounding imaging reimbursement.

3. CMS update on National Provider Identifier reporting

   Summarizes a CMS timing change for required identifier reporting on claims and notes the phased handling of legacy numbers in secondary fields. The section concerns provider enrollment and claims processing compliance.

4. Transition to a new practice expense RVU methodology

   Describes CMS work on a revised method for calculating practice expense relative value units using specialty survey data. The section notes that the transition may affect different specialties unevenly.