CY13 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule Fact Sheet

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has issued a proposed rule regarding revisions to payment policies under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for calendar year (CY) 2013. The proposed rule also addresses payments for Part B drugs, and other Medicare Part B payment policies to ensure that the payment systems are updated to reflect changes in medical practice and the relative value of services. It would also establish a face-to- face encounter as a condition of payment for certain durable medical equipment items, and include provisions for implementing the value-based payment modifier required by the Affordable Care Act that would affect payment rates to certain groups based on the quality and cost of care they furnish to beneficiaries enrolled in the traditional Medicare fee-for service program. Finally, the rule also includes a discussion of the Chiropractic Services Demonstration program.