CMS Issues Proposed 2012 Physician Fee Schedule

On July 1, 2011, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued proposed payment rate and policy changes for the Medicare physician fee schedule that would go into effect for calendar year (CY) 2012. The proposed rule will be published in the July 19, 2011, Federal Register. Highlights of the proposed changes are discussed below. Note that the proposed rule does not address CMS’ projected reduction of 29.5% to the conversion factor for CY 2012 that is based on the application of the sustainable growth rate (SGR). The reason is that this reduction can only be averted through a change in law. The President’s budget submission for fiscal year (FY) 2012 would extend current payment rates through Dec. 31, 2013.

Read the full announcement: Regulation, Accreditation, and Payment Practice Group Email Alert, American Health Lawyers Association, July 8, 2011