September 1, 2009
Philips Healthcare has submitted comments to CMS on the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for 2010. Philips urged CMS to make the following changes:
- Do not increase the equipment utilization assumption from 50 percent to 90 percent for equipment priced over $1 million.
- Do not implement the proposed changes to the practice expense RVUs based on the Physician Practice Information Survey (PPIS)data, or, at a minimum, utilize the Supplemental Survey data for radiology and cardiology, and revised PPIS data for radiation oncology.
- Correct the data used to set reimbursement for brachytherapy and echocardiography services.
- Approve remote critical care services for inclusion on the telehealth list.
- Do not implement a physician signature requirement with respect to physician orders for diagnostic tests.
- Implement the accreditation standards for suppliers furnishing the technical component of advanced diagnostic imaging services as proposed.
CMS will issue its final rules on or about November 1, 2009. New policies and payment rates go into effect on January 1, 2010
To read the comments, please click here.
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