The American Medical Association last week acknowledged that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) included in the final Medicare fee schedule rule some of the AMA’s key recommendations regarding CPT codes.
“In response to strong recommendations from a joint AMA workgroup of CPT Editorial Panel and RUC members, CMS will implement RUC recommendations and payment for new transitional care management services reported by new CPT codes 99495 and 99496,” said Ardis D. Hoven, MD, president of the American Medical Association in a prepared statement.
She also noted that CMS has added an appeals process and two additional penalty exemptions for physicians who are participating in the meaningful use electronic health records program.
Still, the AMA believes there is more to be done, according to Hoven.
“The release of the Medicare physician fee schedule rule reminds patients, physicians, and Congress that the time to act to prevent looming Medicare cuts is now. Without quick Congressional action, physicians who care for Medicare patients will be hit with a 26.5 percent cut in payments on January 1 due to the flawed Medicare physician payment formula,” said Hoven. “Eliminating this failed formula will allow us to enter a period when physicians can begin transitioning to new payment and delivery models to help meet the overall goal of improving patient care and moving to a higher performing Medicare program. We look forward to fully reviewing the rule in more detail.”
