Reimbursement: Final MPFS Rule for CY 2017 Supports MACRA's Focus on Primary Care

Why This Topic Matters

The final MPFS rule can affect how Medicare services are reported, reimbursed, and documented for 2017. Understanding the policy changes helps practices prepare for updates in primary care, care coordination, telehealth, and data collection requirements.

Article Sections

1. Boost to Those That Provide Primary and Cognitive Care

   Discusses CMS’s emphasis on primary care and cognitive services within the finalized Medicare payment policies. The section introduces broader changes intended to support coordinated care and related reimbursement priorities.

2. CMS Pledges Extra Pay for Non-Face-to-Face Prolonged E/Ms

   Covers changes related to prolonged evaluation and management services performed outside a face-to-face encounter. It also addresses how CMS aligns these policies with CPT guidance.

3. In a nutshell. Here is a quick overview of other primary and cognitive care changes:

   Summarizes additional policy updates tied to primary care, chronic care management, behavioral health integration, and cognitive assessment. The section presents a compact overview of several related Medicare payment changes.

4. Telehealth Expands with New Code Options

   Reviews the article’s discussion of expanded telehealth-related payment options under the finalized rule. It highlights broader settings and service categories included in the policy changes.

5. Global Services Data Collection See Revisions

   Describes revisions to global services data reporting and collection requirements. The section explains that CMS is aiming to reduce administrative burden while adjusting reporting expectations.

6. Diabetes Prevention Program Benefits Realized

   Summarizes the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program’s planned expansion and the article’s discussion of its program goals. It also notes the policy’s connection to prevention-focused Medicare services.

7. AMA Weighs In

   Presents the American Medical Association’s reaction to the final rule and its general view of the policy direction. The section reflects commentary on payment policy, reporting, and physician burden.