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Just Announced: Second Round of Sweeping Changes to Support U.S. Healthcare System During COVID-19 Pandemic

Members & Publications

April 30, 2020

On April 30, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued another round of sweeping regulatory waivers and rule changes to deliver expanded care to the nation’s seniors and provide flexibility to the health care system as America begins to reopen.

AAPM&R is currently undergoing an in-depth review of these lengthy materials, but we can share an important update with you below. As we take a closer look at the materials from CMS, we will share additional information with you.

  • Back on April 13, AAPM&R sent a letter to CMS advocating that audio-only (telephone) E/M visits should be reimbursed at the same rate as face-to-face E/M visits. In response, CMS has approved (retroactive to March 1) higher reimbursement for audio-only telephone visits. Instead of being reimbursed at $14-41, these services will now be reimbursed at a rate of $46-110, which CMS indicates matches the payment for similar office and outpatient visits.

Stay tuned for our in-depth analysis of these changes soon.

 

Legislation Introduced to Alleviate Impact of Conversion Factor Cut for 2021

Nov 09, 2020

Last month, two bills were introduced in the House proposing solutions to the estimated 10.6% Physician Fee Schedule conversion factor cut expected to go into effect January 1, 2021.  The bills offer some relief to the cut, but do not reflect a comprehensive or long-term solution.  AAPM&R has therefore chosen to remain neutral regarding these bills. 

Your Academy continues to advocate for a permanent solution to the conversion factor cut while maintaining the important payment increases to office and outpatient evaluation and management services.

 

 

 

 

 

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