Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

Other news: Recoup some pay if you haven’t joined EHR incentive program yet.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the calendar year 2014 Medicare physician fee schedule proposed rule on July 8, which outlines possible changes to policies and payment rates for services rendered on and after January 1, 2014 — and the news isn’t good for most specialties, if the proposed rule stands. 

The basics: CMS noted in the proposed rule that the confirmed conversion factor won’t be released until the Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule is published this fall. However, based on current calculations, the conversion factor for 2014 is estimated to be $26.7109, which reflects a 21 percent cut from the current conversion factor of $34.0320. Of course, in prior years, Congress has always voted to increase the conversion factor so that physicians don’t face such steep cuts, but this means that 2014 will once again present the requirement to face a waiting game regarding pay.

The comment period on the proposed rule is open for 60 days from the date it is published in the Federal Register. To review the rule and associated documents, visit www.cms.gov and search for “2014 Medicare Proposed Physician Fee Schedule.”

EHR Incentive Program Deadline Looms Near

The deadline is fast approaching for physicians and other eligible professionals (EPs) to begin documenting meaningful use of their electronic health record (EHR) technology for 2013. EPs must begin participating in the program by October 3, 2013, and continue for 90 days (through Dec. 31, 2013) to earn an incentive bonus of up to $15,000. 

The incentive payment is 75 percent of Medicare allowed charges up to a maximum annual cap. A provider who first demonstrates meaningful use in 2013 can earn a maximum incentive of $39,000 over four years. If a provider waits until 2014 to begin participating in the program, the maximum payment will be $24,000.

Heads up: 2014 is the last year to initiate 90-day reporting periods to qualify for future incentives. The EP must successfully show meaningful use by 2014 or face financial penalties beginning in 2015. Penalties will be assessed by deducting increasing amounts from Medicare payments the provider would normally receive for services.

Bottom line: It’s not too late to join the EHR incentive program, and the potential incentives make the effort worthwhile for many practices. To get the latest news on the program, visit www.cms.gov and search for “EHR incentive program.”