CMS Releases 2012 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule

On Friday, July 1, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the calendar year (CY) 2012 Medicare physician fee schedule proposed rule.  This proposed rule outlines proposed changes to policies and payment rates for services to be administered on or after January 1, 2012.  ASA members and staff are currently reviewing the proposed rule to see what impact it could have on anesthesia payments. 

The proposed rule assumes the Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) cut to Medicare physician payments of 29.5 percent that is scheduled to go into effect at the end of the year is not averted. In previous years, Congress has passed a “SGR Fix” to avert SGR cuts.  

The comment period on the proposed rule is open for 60 days.  ASA will be formulating and submitting an official response.   

Click here to read the more than 600-page proposed rule.