Part B Payment: Take A Sneak Peek At The Proposed 2013 Fee Schedule

Why This Topic Matters

The proposed fee schedule can significantly affect Medicare reimbursement, practice planning, and coding-related workflow for multiple specialties. Understanding the scope of the proposal helps stakeholders evaluate possible financial and operational changes before the rule is finalized.

Article Sections

1. Basics

   Introduces the proposed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for 2013 and frames the article’s focus on broad payment policy changes and specialty impacts.

2. Proposal Would Pay for Hospital Transitions

   Summarizes proposed Medicare payment policy related to care coordination after discharge from a hospital or skilled nursing facility.

3. Multiple Procedure Cuts Could Hurt Cardiologists, Ophthalmologists

   Covers the proposed multiple procedure payment reduction policy affecting selected diagnostic services and the physician groups most likely to be affected.

4. More Steep Cuts Will Hit

   Discusses the projected overall Medicare physician payment reduction and the broader budgetary context described in the proposal.

5. Further cuts for some specialties:

   Highlights proposed reimbursement changes affecting radiation oncology and related therapy services, including broader specialty payment effects.

6. Primary care bonus:

   Summarizes proposed payment increases for primary care and selected other specialties under the 2013 fee schedule proposal.