CMS released its annual proposed changes to the physician fee schedule for 2024 on July 13, which includes a $1.14 (3.34 percent) conversion factor decrease from 2023.
Seven more things to know:
1. The proposed physician fee schedule conversion factor for 2024 is $32.75, down from $33.89 in 2023.
2. CMS is proposing coding and payment for several new services to help underserved populations. Among those, CMS is proposing to pay for certain caregiver training services in specified circumstances so that "practitioners are appropriately paid for engaging with caregivers to support people with Medicare in carrying out their treatment plan." It is also proposing separate coding and payment for community health integration services, which would involve person-centered planning, health system coordination, promoting patient self-advocacy, and facilitating access to community-based resources to address unmet social needs that interfere with the practitioner’s diagnosis and treatment of the patient.
3. Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, CMS is proposing to implement a separate add-on payment for healthcare common procedure coding system code G2211. CMS said the add-on code will better recognize the resource costs associated with evaluation and management visits for primary care and longitudinal care of complex patients.
4. CMS is proposing that payment can be made for certain dental services prior to and during different cancer treatments, including chemotherapy.
5. CMS' proposal would create a new benefit category for marriage and family therapists and mental health counselors under Part B.
6. CMS is proposing changes to the Medicare Shared Savings Program designed to further advance the agency's value-based strategy of growth, alignment, and equity and to respond to concerns raised by accountable care organizations and other interested parties.
7. CMS is accepting comments on the proposal through Sept. 11.