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AAPM&R Submits Comment Letter for 2021 Outpatient Prospective Payment System and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment System Proposed Rule

Members & Publications

October 5, 2020

In October 2020, AAPM&R submitted a comment letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the 2021 Outpatient Prospective Payment System and Ambulatory Surgical Center (OPPS/ASC) Payment System Proposed Rule.

In our comment letter, we urge CMS not to finalize its proposal to add implanted spinal neurostimulators to its list of procedures subject to prior authorization. AAPM&R opposes the use of prior authorization as a tool for curbing perceived overutilization of services. Prior authorization has been shown to be a significant cause of provider burnout and adds significant burden to physicians and their office staff.

CMS has published a fact sheet, detailing specifics from the rule.

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

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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