Last week, CMS issued a display copy of the agency’s final rule on payment policies for the calendar year (CY) 2022 under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. AHCA/NCAL has provided a summary of policy changes most relevant to members and their residents.

Read the CMS final rule summary. Several policy changes impact AHCA/NCAL members and their residents for services from physicians, nurse practitioners, rehabilitation therapists, portable x-ray providers, and clinical laboratories, among other providers paid under the Medicare Part B fee schedule.

The final rule reflects some improvements requested in the AHCA/NCAL submitted comments. However, CMS indicated that Congressional action would be required to resolve other concerns including payment cuts related to therapy assistant services and expiration of the 3.75 percent congressional relief provided in CY 2021 to offset planned CMS budget neutrality related cuts.

AHCA/NCAL has provided a summary of policy changes most relevant to members and their residents regarding the following subjects:  

• rate setting and conversion factor;
• therapy services;
• telehealth services;
• vaccine administration services;
• electronic prescribing of controlled substances;
• clinical laboratory fee schedule; and
• medical review requirements.