Sixty members of Congress recently wrote a letter (pdf) to CMS Acting Administrator Marilyn Tavenner urging CMS to table the proposal expanding multiple procedure payment reductions.
MPPR applies when the same physician performs multiple services to the same patient in the same session on the same day. For example, radiologists may perform several diagnostic imaging procedures on the same day to the same patient. Full payment is made for the service with the highest "technical component" payment. Other payments are made at 50 percent for the technical components of subsequent services, and CMS expanded this MPPR to professional services this year (pdf).
CMS also plans to expand MPPR and propose a 25 percent reduction on the technical component for the less expensive service. The lawmakers wrote to Ms. Tavenner and said expanded MPPR "creates disincentives for specialists to provide high-quality, patient-centered care" and "punishes physicians for providing efficient care."
MPPR applies when the same physician performs multiple services to the same patient in the same session on the same day. For example, radiologists may perform several diagnostic imaging procedures on the same day to the same patient. Full payment is made for the service with the highest "technical component" payment. Other payments are made at 50 percent for the technical components of subsequent services, and CMS expanded this MPPR to professional services this year (pdf).
CMS also plans to expand MPPR and propose a 25 percent reduction on the technical component for the less expensive service. The lawmakers wrote to Ms. Tavenner and said expanded MPPR "creates disincentives for specialists to provide high-quality, patient-centered care" and "punishes physicians for providing efficient care."
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