Medicare Changes on the Horizon: What Does It All Mean for Labs, Pathologists & Radiologists?

Much is happening on the Medicare front these days. From recently passed Medicare legislation to proposed changes to the physician fee schedule for 2009 to Stark revisions, just about every health care provider is affected in some way.

On June 30, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed additional clarification of the anti-markup rule for diagnostic tests, new standards for diagnostic testing providers, new G codes for saturation prostate biopsies, a cut in physician payments for 2009, and exceptions to the self-referral ban for incentive payments and gainsharing programs.

Just days later, Congress approved legislation repealing the laboratory competitive bidding demonstration, extending the so-called “TC grandfather clause” for 18 months, and reversing a 10.6 percent reduction in physician payments. On July 15, lawmakers successfully overrode a presidential veto of the legislation.

Then, in early August, CMS announced significant changes to the Stark law prohibiting physician self-referrals. These final Stark rules often extend far beyond the original proposal and are likely to require major restructuring of common joint venture arrangements.

So what does this all mean for clinical laboratories, pathologists, and diagnostic imaging providers? Join us during this 90-minute national audio conference as our experts explain what CMS has in store for providers in 2009 and how these changes could affect you.

During this program, you’ll:

Find out what CMS is proposing to change in the Medicare program in 2009
Hear about final changes to the Stark law prohibiting physician self-referrals and what they mean for common joint venture arrangements
Understand how these proposals could affect labs, pathologists, and radiologists
Get insight into how these proposals dovetail with Medicare legislation recently passed by Congress

You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions in our interactive Q&A portion of the program. Take this hassle-free approach to learning about possible Medicare changes in 2009 and what they mean for you. And you can invite your entire staff—for one low fee.

For more information, please call 800-401-5937, ext. 2.

FEATURED SPEAKERS

Robert Mazer, Esq.
Ober/Kaler

Rob Mazer is a principal in Ober|Kaler's Health Law Group. He represents hospitals, clinical laboratories and other diagnostic services providers, and physicians, particularly with respect to third-party payment, self-referral and fraud and abuse issues, and related business arrangements. Rob advises health care providers how to comply with reimbursement and regulatory requirements for diagnostic services while meeting their legitimate business objectives. He also assists providers facing government investigations and demands for the return of alleged overpayments made by government and private third-party payers.

Julie Kass, Esq.
Ober/Kaler

Julie Kass’ practice focuses on the fraud and abuse aspects of Medicare and Medicaid, including the Stark and anti-kickback laws and civil money penalties. She also has a vast knowledge concerning reimbursement issues. Her clients are from across the country and involve the spectrum of health care providers. A sample of her clients includes associations, hospitals, large physician groups, durable medical equipment suppliers, physical and occupational therapists, and long-term care facilities. Ms. Kass was named among the nation’s “Outstanding Young Healthcare Lawyers – 2004” and one of the “Outstanding Fraud and Compliance Lawyers for 2006.” Ms. Kass was formerly Senior Counsel, in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. She is admitted to practice in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. Education: University of Pennsylvania, (B.A., cum laude, 1991); University of Pennsylvania, (M.A., 1991); Case Western Reserve University School of Law, (J.D., summa cum laude, 1994). Member: American Bar Association; District of Columbia Bar Association; American Health Lawyers Association.

HOST & MODERATOR:

Kimberly Scott,
Senior Editor, Washington G2 Reports