Pathologists and other physician specialists as well as laboratory and imaging providers would experience some major policy and payment changes beginning next year under the proposed 2008 physician fee schedule published July 12 by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services The proposal has a comment deadline of August 31.

As expected, CMS wants to modify a number of physician self-referral provisions to close loopholes it says makes Medicare vulnerable to abuse. Leading the list are proposed new curbs on “pod” or “condo” labs including an anti-mark-up provision for the TC and PC of diagnostic tests.

Subject to revisions by CMS or changes mandated by Congress, the proposal also seeks: major Part B payment cuts for physician services; modified standards for Independent Diagnostic Testing Facilities (IDTFs); revised policies relating to the clinical lab fee schedule; to end billings by independent labs for pathology TC services for Medicare inpatients and outpatients and a reconsideration process for setting fees for new lab tests.

During the program, you’ll

Understand new anti-markup restrictions on the PC of diagnostic tests

Describe limits on percentage-based and per-click compensation deals

Find out how assignment of burden proof works in Stark law appeals

Identify new requirements for independent diagnostic testing facilities

Assess revised policies relating to the PC of physician pathology services

Discuss policy changes affecting the clinical lab fee schedule

FEATURED SPEAKER:

Robert E. Mazer, Esq
Principal, Ober Kaler Health Law Group

Host & Moderator:

Dennis Weissman
President, Dennis Weissman & Associates, LLC and Founder & Executive Editor, Washington G-2 Reports

You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions in our interactive Q&A portion of the program. And you can invite your entire staff – for one low fee.

For more information, please call 800-401-5937, ext. 2. Continuing education credit is available.