Part B Pay: CMS Slashes 2012 Conversion Factor by Over 27 Percent Vs. Current Rates

Why This Topic Matters

Medicare fee schedule changes can affect reimbursement planning, practice finances, and service-line performance across many specialties. Understanding the scope of these updates helps organizations anticipate payment pressure and monitor the policy changes that influence Part B revenue.

Article Sections

1. Conversion factor and policy context

   Summarizes the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule update and the surrounding payment policy context. It discusses the broader concern about payment stability and the role of congressional action.

2. Imaging practices to suffer

   Covers how imaging-related services are expected to be affected by changes in fee schedule methodology. It focuses on the general impact to diagnostic imaging and related professional payment adjustments.

3. Some specialists will see gains, while others will find cuts

   Outlines specialty-level payment changes described in the fee schedule. It presents broad categories of specialties expected to see decreases or increases in reimbursement.

4. Other specialties will see gains

   Describes the groups expected to receive payment increases under the fee schedule. It highlights the article’s discussion of specialties and practice types that may benefit relative to others.