2010-07-08

President Signs Physician Payment Adjustment
On June 25, President Obama signed into law the "Preservation of Access to Care for Medicare Beneficiaries and Pension Relief Act of 2010." This law establishes a 2.2 percent update to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) payment rates retroactive from June 1 through November 30, 2010. By turning again to a short-term extension, lawmakers are setting up a return to the physician payment issue after the November elections. ASH will continue to work closely with elected officials and with the physician community on a long-term solution to the sustainable growth rate formula and will report on any developments. Read more.

CMS Releases Proposed Rule on Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for CY 2011
On June 25, 2010, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) posted a copy of the proposed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) for 2011. ASH has developed a detailed analysis of the key issues and potential impact on hematology. The proposed rule would implement provisions of the new health-care reform law that expand preventive services for Medicare beneficiaries, improve payments for primary care services, and promote access to health-care services in rural areas. Of most concern is a proposal to provide a negative 6.1 percent update to the conversion factor for 2011. ASH will submit comments to CMS by the August 24 deadline. If you have any specific concerns or questions, please contact ASH Senior Manager, Policy and Practice, Carol Schwartz at 202-776-0544. Read more.

Medicare Releases 2011 Proposed Rule for Hospital Outpatient Services
On July 2, CMS released its proposed rule governing payment policies and rates for the hospital outpatient payment system for calendar year 2011. The rule proposes an update to the OPPS conversion factor of 2.15, expands the number of hospital outpatient quality measures that must be reported, and revises policies regarding physician supervision of services. ASH will be analyzing the proposed rule and will submit comments to CMS. ASH members who have concerns about the proposed rule should contact ASH Senior Manger, Policy and Practice, Carol Schwartz at 202-776-0544. Read more.

President Obama Appoints Donald Berwick to Be CMS Administrator
President Barack Obama used a procedure known as a recess appointment to appoint Dr. Donald Berwick to head CMS. The process means that Dr. Berwick, a pediatrician, Harvard University professor, and leader of a health-care nonprofit organization, can assume the post without being confirmed by the U.S. Senate. The White House says the need to fill the post is critical because of its role in implementing the health reform law. Read more.

CMS Addresses Concerns About PECOS Enrollment – Delays Automatic Rejection of Claims
CMS is working with providers to address concerns about enrollment in the Provider Enrollment, Chain, and Ownership System (PECOS) – an electronic system used to enroll physicians and eligible professionals into the Medicare program. While the regulation requiring use of PECOS will be effective July 6, 2010, CMS will not implement automatic rejections of claims submitted by providers that have attempted to enroll in PECOS. Read more.

2010 PQRI & Electronic Prescribing Incentive Program National Provider Call With Question & Answer Session
The CMS Provider Communications Group is hosting a national provider conference call on the 2010 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) & Electronic Prescribing Incentive Program (eRx) on Tuesday, July 20, 2010, from 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. EDT. Visit the CMS website to register for the call. Call participants can access a transcript one week after the call on the CMS website.

CMS Updates Information About ICD-10
CMS has released updated information about the implementation of the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition, Clinical Modification and Procedure Coding System (ICD-10-CM/ICD-10-PCS) code. The first ICD-10-related compliance date of January 1, 2012, will require standards for electronic health transactions change from Version 4010/4010A1 to Version 5010. It is essential that your office plan for the conversion to ICD-10 as it will significantly impact workflow and billing in the office. Read more.

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