Medicare Physician Payment Rates
Better Data and Greater Transparency Could Improve Accuracy
Description:... Payments for Medicare physicians' services totaled about $70 billion in 2013. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) sets payment rates for about 7,000 physicians' services primarily on the basis of the relative values assigned to each service. Relative values largely reflect estimates of the physician work and practice expenses needed to provide one service relative to other services. This report evaluated (1) the American Medical Association/Specialty Society Relative Value Scale Update Committee's (RUC's) process for recommending relative values for CMS to consider when setting Medicare payment rates; and (2) CMS's process for establishing relative values, including how it uses RUC recommendations. Table and figures. This is a print on demand report.
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