Supporting the Physiatrist, Strengthening the Specialty

In September 2019, AAPM&R submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the 2020 Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) Proposed Rule. Read the first and second comment letters. 

Here are some key points in the proposed rule that might affect physiatrists, which were addressed in the letters:

• CMS has rescinded its proposal to collapse payment for level 2-4 office/outpatient E/M visits. Instead, CMS proposes implementing revised office/outpatient E/M coding and documentation guidelines as well as payment increases for most office/outpatient E/M codes, effective January 1, 2021. Read more.
• CMS proposes to implement payment for 4 new codes describing injections and destruction/ablation of the genicular nerve branches and the nerves innervating the sacroiliac joint. Read more.
• CMS proposes to implement payment for 2 new dry needling codes.
• CMS proposes to redefine the physician supervision requirement for services delivered by a PA. The new requirement will conform to state law and state scope of practice rules for PAs in the state in which the services are furnished.

The final rule is expected in November 2019. Your Academy will continue to monitor these issues and will distribute updates when available. 

In September 2019, AAPM&R submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the 2020 Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) Proposed Rule. Read the first and second comment letters. 

Here are some key points in the proposed rule that might affect physiatrists, which were addressed in the letters:

• CMS has rescinded its proposal to collapse payment for level 2-4 office/outpatient E/M visits. Instead, CMS proposes implementing revised office/outpatient E/M coding and documentation guidelines as well as payment increases for most office/outpatient E/M codes, effective January 1, 2021. Read more.
• CMS proposes to implement payment for 4 new codes describing injections and destruction/ablation of the genicular nerve branches and the nerves innervating the sacroiliac joint. Read more.
• CMS proposes to implement payment for 2 new dry needling codes.
• CMS proposes to redefine the physician supervision requirement for services delivered by a PA. The new requirement will conform to state law and state scope of practice rules for PAs in the state in which the services are furnished.

The final rule is expected in November 2019. Your Academy will continue to monitor these issues and will distribute updates when available.