doctors dont agreeRecently, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released information on the proposed changes regarding the 2017 payment rule. This was centered on hospital outpatient programs and derived information about the programs from leading healthcare organizations that specialize in representing both hospitals and doctors. The reactions were not as suspected.

The doctors like the proposed changes, but, the hospitals do not like the changes.

The CMS proposals pertained to the policies and the rates of payments that are part of the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and the payment system that is part of the Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC). Ultimately, one of the policies is aimed towards leveling out the field for policies regarding payments of doctors in independent practices and doctors in independent practices that are owned by hospitals.

There are two main associations that are impacted by this proposed change. The first – which represents doctors – The American Medical Association (AMA). The second – which represents hospitals – The American Hospital Association. Those that are part of the American Medical Association praised and accepted the proposed changes; however, the American Hospital Association did not.

The American Medical Association stated that the proposed changes will help to remove the payment incentives that hospitals currently receive and have promoted the consolidation of the health industry. One such incentive is that where hospitals purchased private practices of doctors in order to get higher rates on Medicare.

The newest payment proposal would help curb this type of consolidation and would ensure that small practices could maintain a large amount of independence.

By placing an emphasis on hospitals paying the exact same rates with Medicare, an estimated $500 million dollars could be saved in the year 2017, alone.

CMS states that the proposed changes would not be impacted by the acquisition of a practice or if doctor services are offered in a practice that is hospital-owned, or one that is privately owned. If this proposed payment plan is approved, doctors will no longer have to sacrifice having a private practice to make more money.

They would not have to accept being purchased by a hospital in order to receive the same financial incentives. Hospitals, on the other hand, are becoming increasingly frustrated over the proposed payment policy. This would eliminate several payment incentives that are currently in place and result in a significant profit loss for hospitals.

There is only one situation that has an exemption. That is, emergency departments that are located off-campuses.

If you are a physical therapist, it is in your best interest to get onboard with the proposed payment plan. This will allow you to maintain your independence as a practitioner and will boost your profits on patient services and treatments that you offer.

This proposed plan is open for commenting until September 6th. Now, your voice can be heard! You can break away and practice free of hospital-reign. If you have an interest in taking back your practice, increasing your profits, and finally being able to provide patients with the high-quality care that they deserve, make your voice heard!

For more information, visit our blog today at: https://coloradophysicaltherapynetwork.com/blog/


 

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