CMS proposes changes to modernize Medicare, restore physician-patient relationship

Editor's Note

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on July 12 issued a proposed rule that includes updated payment policies, payment rates, and quality provisions for services furnished under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule on or after January 1, 2019.

Physician fee schedule rates will be updated by 0.25% in CY 2019, as required under the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015.

Proposed changes would increase the amount of time physicians and other clinicians will be able to spend with their patients by reducing the burden of paperwork they face when billing Medicare.

The proposals also would modernize Medicare payment policies to promote access to virtual care, saving Medicare beneficiaries time and money while improving their access to high-quality services no matter where they live.