American Society of Hematology

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ASH Comments on Proposed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Changes

2009-08-20

On August 19, ASH submitted comments on proposed revisions to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule:

ASH urged the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to withdraw its proposal to implement the Physician Practice Information Survey (PPIS), which will have a -5 percent impact on hematology reimbursement. ASH would like additional information to assure that the information is valid before any change is made.
ASH strongly opposed the proposal to eliminate consultation codes and for these services to be reported using the existing Evaluation & Management Codes. ASH fears the proposal will diminish the value of physician work performed by cognitive specialists.
There were various proposals related to the implementation of the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI). ASH supported all efforts that would provide its members with expanded access to the program.

Regarding the proposal to establish a panel of experts separate from the American Medical Association Relative Value Scale Update Committee (RUC) to review Relative Value Units, ASH emphasized the importance of having broad representation from all physician specialties and transparency in processes.