Improving the Quality of Care Medicare Patients Receive

For calendar year 2017, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have finalized updated payment rates and policy changes, in the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Payment System.

CMS wrote that the finalized policy changes “will improve the quality of care Medicare patients receive.” The final rule includes the implementation of Section 603 of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015. Under this section, certain off-campus provider-based departments that began billing under the OPPS on or after November 2, 2015, will no longer be paid for most services under the OPPS. CMS also finalized their proposal for development of a new payment reduction modifier “FX” for use on claims for imaging services that are X-rays taken using film that are furnished during CY 2017 and subsequent years.

Download our free eBrief, Proposed Rule and Final Rule of Fee Schedule, to learn about:

• Outpatient Laboratory Services
• Hospital Outpatient Quality Reporting Programs
• Meaningful Use
• Provider-Based Departments (PBDs)