Reimbursement: New Programs, Delays, and Reductions Feature in the 2018 Fee Schedule

Why This Topic Matters

The article helps readers understand how CMS’s 2018 fee schedule changes affect Medicare payment, reporting expectations, and program readiness across multiple care settings. It is especially relevant for organizations monitoring telehealth expansion, MACRA-related updates, and shifts in reimbursement policy.

Article Sections

1. Background

   Introduces the CY 2018 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule final rule and places the update in the context of CMS’s broader quality- and value-based priorities.

2. Don't Fret About Electronic Paperwork, CMS Says

   Discusses CMS efforts to reduce administrative burden and streamline reporting through a new initiative focused on practice requirements and workflow simplification.

3. Telehealth Expands with New Code Options

   Covers telehealth-related policy changes, new service categories, and related billing and claim-processing updates included in the final rule.

4. Consider These Other Important MPFS Updates

   Summarizes additional Medicare Physician Fee Schedule changes affecting diabetes prevention, evaluation and management policy, quality reporting, value-based adjustments, and related Medicare initiatives.

5. OPPS Payment Cut Punishes Providers

   Addresses payment reductions for certain off-campus departments and the operational impact of those Medicare reimbursement changes.