Medicare Fee ScheduleOn November 2nd, The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) publicly released a final version of the Medicare Fee Schedule for the year of 2017.

The finalized schedule reflects positive incentives for physical therapists and primary care providers that were previously experiencing complications with being under-compensated or the complete lack of compensation for services rendered.

Additionally, those that specialize in surgery now have the ability to code the postoperative work that is performed during the global-based billing period.

Physical therapists and primary care providers that provide treatments to individuals that have chronic illnesses, cognitive issues, and behavioral problems will receive more pay, according to the new fee schedule.

In this brief examination, we will provide an overview of the 2017 Medicare Fee Schedule.

New Billing Codes

The finalized Medicare Fee Schedule for 2017 includes a multitude of new billing codes that will assist in optimizing the compensation levels of physical therapists and primary care providers. The following outlines an example of the codes that will be put into place:

  • New codes will be put into place for those providers that perform and/or assist in the assessment and the planning of care for patients that have cognitive-based impairments, such as dementia.
  • New codes will be available for care providers that assist in the management and care of individuals that have chronic health issues. These codes are designated to those activities that extend past the scope of traditional care, such as discussing health issues, medication issues, and other related topics with a patient by telephone.
  • New codes will be put into place for mental health specialists that have the need to collaborate in order to effectively treat individuals that have behavioral-based problems.
  • New codes will be available for those care providers that engage in the evaluation and the management services of patients on a prolonged level and that occur outside of the traditional visit of the patient.

Diabetes Prevention

The finalized Medicare Fee Schedule for 2017 also includes a specialized project that will focus on the prevention of diabetes – specifically, in the year of 2018. In this program, individuals that are considered to carry a high risk for the development of type 2 diabetes will be able to enter into a program in their community that aids in the promotion of a healthy lifestyle.

This program will promote exercise, the implementation of a healthy diet, and will encourage the safe loss of excess weight from the body. By preventing this devastating illness from developing in patients, it is believed that thousands of dollars will be saved, annually.

The details of the finalized Medicare Fee Schedule for 2017 are extensive. In short, physical therapists and primary care physicians will benefit in many ways – especially in terms of compensation.

New codes will be put into place that will allow providers to receive compensation and incentives for tasks that they once completed with little to no compensation.

If you would like to learn more about the finalized Medicare Fee Schedule for 2017, value-based care, the elimination of volume-based care, and various incentives that you may qualify for, you may visit our blog today at: https://coloradophysicaltherapynetwork.com/blog/

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