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Healthcare Policy News
Payment Changes Proposed for the 2022 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule
Last week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the much anticipated calendar year (CY) 2022 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) proposed rule. Proposed changes of significance to the AAOS include continued payment cuts to the conversion factor, proposals to update the policy for split/shared evaluation and management visits in the facility setting and allow Physician Assistants to bill directly for services furnished under Part B, an extension that will permit telehealth services temporarily added to the Medicare list to remain on it until the end of CY 2023, delayed implementation of the appropriate use criteria for advanced diagnostic imaging program, and delayed implementation of the MIPS Value Pathways program until CY 2023. In addition to submitting formal comments to the agency, AAOS is working with representatives on Capitol Hill to prevent these harmful cuts to the conversion factor and other pending Medicare payment decreases. Learn more from the AAOS fact sheet…
Reinstatement of the Inpatient Only List Proposed in 2022 Outpatient Payment Rule
On Monday, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the calendar year (CY) 2022 Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) proposed rule. In a complete reversal of policies finalized last year, CMS is proposing to reinstate the Medicare Inpatient Only List, beginning by adding back the 298 musculoskeletal procedures that were removed from it on January 1, 2021. In addition, the agency is proposing to remove hundreds of procedures previously added to the Ambulatory Surgical Center Covered Procedures List on January 1, 2021. Other substantial proposals include increased penalties to induce compliance with the hospital price transparency regulations and reporting requirements related to health equity. AAOS will submit comments to CMS in response to these proposals and share more details with members on their potential impact in upcoming communications from the Office of Government Relations (see newly released AAOS statement). Learn more from the AAOS factsheet…
Executive Order Addresses Anti-competitive Practices in Health Care
President Joe Biden signed an Executive Order on July 9 intended to promote competition in the American economy, including within the health care sector. Under the order, the Department of Health and Human Services is directed to finish implementing the No Surprises Act, which is meant to limit unexpected medical billing, as well as support existing hospital price transparency rules. The Biden administration is also encouraging a review and revision of hospital merger guidelines by the Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to ensure patients are not harmed by such mergers. The FTC has also been called to review potentially unfair occupational licensing restrictions Read the full Executive Order…
FDA Warns Providers of Potential Biocompatibility Concerns with Precice Devices
On July 8, the FDA posted a Letter to Health Care Providers regarding potential biocompatibility concerns associated with NuVasive Specialized Orthopedics’ Precice devices made from stainless steel and titanium. The letter included recommendations for monitoring. The FDA recommends that providers stop implanting any new stainless steel-based Precice devices. For titanium-based devices, the FDA notes providers should be aware that NuVasive has initiated a voluntary recall and that recommendations provided by the manufacturer should be followed. The Agency is working with NuVasive to perform additional biocompatibility testing on materials used for these devices and will continue appropriate follow-up monitoring for patients. Read the full letter…
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