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How to use compensation metrics to guide MDs to the practice model you prefer

01/18/2021

A new AMA report on physician compensation suggests that hybrid arrangements — that is, compensation based in part on salary and in part on productivity or other factors — are becoming increasingly common. Depending on your set-up, you should consider adapting to the new normal or rejiggering your compensation plans to better align your practice and retain your docs.

COVID and RVU-based reimbursement: Adjusting the algorithms

01/18/2021

by: Roy Edroso

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all aspects of health care, and physician compensation is no exception. That would be particularly true for physicians whose productivity payments were affected by COVID-related closures, reduced patient traffic and the switch to telemedicine.

CMS boosts conversion factor for 2021 fee schedule by 8%, RVUs stay steady

01/18/2021

by: Richard Scott

Responding to a COVID-19 omnibus bill passed in late December, CMS revised the 2021 conversion factor under the Part B fee schedule to $34.89. That marks a nearly 8% increase from the $32.41 rate that the agency had previously approved in the final 2021 Medicare physician fee schedule Dec. 1.

Under 2021 guidelines, auditors can’t penalize practices that code based on time

01/18/2021

by: Julia Kyles

Practices and billing practitioners should use the coding method that benefits the practitioner when they decide whether to code an office visit based on time or medical decision-making (MDM). Auditors should not second-guess the provider’s choice during a review.

New CMS tech rule could speed up prior auth — but leaves out Medicare Advantage

01/18/2021

by: Roy Edroso

A new CMS proposed rule related to prior authorization would require insurers to put in technical processes to speed up those administrative approvals. But take heed: It omits one large area of provider concern.

E/M fees, already buoyant in 2021, see added gains under revamped rates

01/18/2021

by: Richard Scott

The outlook on E/M office visit payments was looking strong heading into 2021, but recent fee changes are on track to supercharge those services.

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