CY17 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule Summary

On November 2, 2016, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) placed on public display a final rule relating to the Medicare physician fee schedule (PFS) for CY 2017 [1] and other revisions to Medicare Part B policies. The final rule is slated for publication in the November 15, 2016 issue of the Federal Register . Finalized policies in the final rule generally will take effect on January 1, 2017.

The final rule updates the PFS payment policies that apply to services furnished by physicians and other practitioners in all sites of services. In addition to physicians, the PFS pays a variety of practitioners and entities, including nurse practitioners, physician assistants, physical therapists, radiation therapy centers, and independent diagnostic testing facilities. The final rule includes new payment policies for services provided to patients with multiple chromic conditions, mental and behavioral health issues, and cognitive impairment. The final rule also includes policies related to the Medicare Shared Savings Program.