Medicare cuts will hurt patient care, physicians tell Congress; participation forms due Feb. 28 -- February 2003 -- FP Report

February 2003 • Volume 9 • Number 2


UPDATE

Medicare cuts will hurt patient care, physicians tell Congress; participation forms due Feb. 28

Accenting access to care, physician leaders conducted a D.C. fly-in last month to explain the impact Medicare pay cuts may have on the nation's elderly.

"What will happen to rural health if doctors aren't there?" AAFP President James Martin, M.D., of San Antonio asked legislative aides to four senators Jan. 8.

At press time, it was not known whether Congress would find a way to lift the 4.4 percent Medicare physician pay cut scheduled to take effect March 1.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently issued instructions to Medicare carriers about the physician fee update and participation process. Highlights:

The enrollment period for Medicare participation extends to Feb. 28. For information on participation options, go to http://www.aafp.org/mcareoptions.xml.
The 2002 rates for services will be in effect for claims processed in January and February. Submit claims quickly to receive the 2002 pay rates.
Claims for January and February that are processed on or after March 1 will be covered at the 2003 pay rates.
You may use new codes for 2003 in claims for January and February services, but carriers will hold those claims until March 1. Then you will be reimbursed at the 2003 rate for services under the new codes.

FP Report | Headlines | AAFP Home | Search