Part B Reimbursement: Expect Reduced Burdens, Cutbacks, and Delays, MPFS Final Rule Suggests

Why This Topic Matters

The final rule affects how Medicare Part B services are reported, paid, and managed in 2018, including quality-reporting requirements, telehealth billing, chronic care and behavioral health integration, and outpatient payment changes. Understanding the scope of these updates helps practices anticipate operational and reimbursement impacts.

Article Sections

1. Background and rule overview

   Introduces the CMS Medicare Physician Fee Schedule final rule for calendar year 2018 and its focus on program updates, payment policies, delays, and implementation dates.

2. Patients Over Paperwork initiative

   Describes CMS efforts to reduce administrative burden and streamline reporting requirements as part of broader quality- and value-based care priorities.

3. Telehealth expands with new code options

   Summarizes telehealth-related updates, including newly finalized service options and the removal of a telehealth billing requirement.

4. Other important MPFS updates

   Covers additional Medicare Physician Fee Schedule changes, including diabetes prevention, evaluation and management documentation, quality reporting, MACRA-related initiatives, and payment adjustments.

5. OPPS payment cut punishes providers

   Explains the final rule’s payment reduction for certain non-excepted off-campus departments and its relationship to outpatient payment policy.