Part B News | Editors' Blog

Ophthalmology gains new code, sees common retinal codes slashed

by: Richard Scott Nov 19, 2015

You have a new payment opportunity in 2016 if you’re an eye doctor, but it’s not all good news – a number of codes involving retinal surgery will see significant pay cuts Jan 1.

Note distinction between catheter, stent in surgical procedures

by: Richard Scott Nov 19, 2015

Avoid misusing surgical terms for stents and catheters or you might find that your patient reports don’t match up with the latest CPT terminology.

Final ACO rule released; requirements softened

by: Grant Huang Oct 20, 2011

You’ll face less risk and fewer administrative hassles if you choose to participate in an accountable care organization (ACO), thanks to changes made in the final ACO rule, released today in the Federal Register. CMS took pains to review feedback from physician advocacy groups and believes the final rule takes many of their biggest concerns into account, top agency officials said during a conference call with reporters.

MedPAC: Repeal SGR by cutting specialty payments 18%

by: Grant Huang Sep 20, 2011

You would win big-time if you’re a primary care practice, but lose big-time if you’re a specialist, under a new proposal by the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC). The group has a budget-neutral, “paid-for” solution that repeals the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula once and for all, saving all physicians from the annual cliffhanger Medicare pay cut that Congress always steps in to prevent.

AMA, physician groups rally for more e-Rx changes

by: Lauren C. Williams Jul 29, 2011

The AMA, along with dozens of other physician groups, are asking in a nine-page letter for CMS to make more changes to its May 26 e-prescribing (e-Rx) proposed rule.

“While we appreciate the modifications CMS presented in the proposed rule, they don’t go far enough. More changes are needed, including establishing an additional reporting period in 2012 and not applying penalties until 2013,”said former AMA president Cecil Wilson in a news release.

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