2009 MEDICARE PHYSICIAN FEE SCHEDULE
CMS published the final rule containing the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for 2009 on November 19, 2008. Included in the final rule are:
1. Confirmation of the 1.1% Physician Fee Schedule increase for 2009.
2. Designated Health Service list for 2009 for Stark/Physician Self-Referral purposes.
3. Final performance standards for Independent Diagnostic Testing Facilities to be effective January 1, 2009.
4. Anti-Markup Provisions.
I will be posting separate explanations of the IDTF and Anti-Markup rules next week.
Our MRI unit is physician owned. The unit is ACR accredited, and we employ only ARRT certified technologists. I have several questions about the future of physician owned MRI units in the Ohio. First, will we continue to receive reimbursements from CMS? Second, do we have to become an IDTF, and if so, when? Will it be mandatory to have a radiologist on site when scanning Medicare patients? With so many changes due to teleradiology, a radiologist is just an email or phone call away...It is extremely difficult to find straight answers to any of these questions. I have spoken directly to CMS of Ohio, various radiologist, and even ACR.
Your response would be greatly appreciated.
Beth A. White RT ( R ) ( MR )
Director of Imaging and Marketing Services
Youngstown Orthopaedic Associates
6470 Tippecanoe Road
Canfield, OH 44406
330.758.0577