IDTF Medicare Changes for 2009
Independent Diagnostic Testing Facility Developments
The 2009 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Regulations include two provisions regarding Independent Diagnostic Testing Facilities. 42 CFR §410.33 has been supplemented with two additional subsections.
First, Section (16) states all entities that provide diagnostic imaging services to Medicare beneficiaries will be required to enroll as IDTFs regardless of whether the services furnished are mobile or from a fixed base location.
Second, Section (17) requires registered Independent Diagnostic Testing Facilities to bill directly for all mobile diagnostic services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries, unless the mobile diagnostic service is part of a hospital service provided under arrangements with that hospital. This clarifies that IDTFs may not provide services under arrangements to non-hospital entities, such as physician practices.
Does Medicare cover check ups? Called Medicare today and they said that a new change went into effect on Jan 1st, 09.
Medicare will pay for NO checkups anymore. Can't believe that this has been changed and no one has announced this on TV... Thanks, Marilee Hubbard