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ALERT: CMS Releases CY 2021 Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule

Members & Publications

August 4, 2020

On August 3, 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the CY 2021 Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule. The rule proposes payment rates and policies for physician services as well as proposed updates to quality programs effective January 1, 2021. 

AAPM&R is currently reviewing the proposed rule to understand its implications for physiatry and will release information to AAPM&R members as soon as possible. 

Click here to read about some of the areas AAPM&R is paying close attention to regarding the proposed rule, including:

  • A proposed 10% cut to the conversion factor (proposed decrease from $36.09 to $32.26). The conversion factor helps determine payment for all services in the fee schedule. CMS is proposing a statutorily required across-the-board cut, which will impact all of medicine, not just physiatry. AAPM&R will be strongly advocating against this proposal.
  • Proposed expansion of telehealth services.
  • Implementation of updates to coding and documentation requirements for office and outpatient evaluation and management codes.
  • Proposed updates to the Quality Payment Program for 2021.

As we continue to review the details of the rule, we will provide updates to AAPM&R members via email. Your Academy also plans to submit comments to CMS regarding the rule prior to the 60-day deadline. Information will also be posted here on our website.

Legislation Introduced to Alleviate Impact of Conversion Factor Cut for 2021

Nov 09, 2020

Last month, two bills were introduced in the House proposing solutions to the estimated 10.6% Physician Fee Schedule conversion factor cut expected to go into effect January 1, 2021.  The bills offer some relief to the cut, but do not reflect a comprehensive or long-term solution.  AAPM&R has therefore chosen to remain neutral regarding these bills. 

Your Academy continues to advocate for a permanent solution to the conversion factor cut while maintaining the important payment increases to office and outpatient evaluation and management services.

 

 

 

 

 

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