Reimbursement: 2014 Fee Schedule Proposals Look Bleak

Why This Topic Matters

The proposed rule could affect payment expectations for multiple specialties and signals a new direction in Medicare payment for chronic care coordination. Readers interested in physician reimbursement, specialty payment impacts, and upcoming chronic care management policy changes will find the article useful.

Article Sections

1. Watch the Conversion Factor Take A Dip

   This section discusses the proposed Medicare conversion factor for 2014 and the broader context of expected payment pressure under the fee schedule update.

2. Other Specialties Could Face Steeper Cuts

   This section summarizes the proposed fee schedule’s projected impact on several provider and specialty groups, including laboratory and pathology-related areas.

3. Look Ahead to 2015 for Chronic Care Bonuses

   This section covers CMS’s proposed chronic care management payment concept for 2015, including broad operational features such as patient participation, continuity of care, and service structure.