On Aug. 3, 2020 the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the calendar year (CY) 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule. The American College of Radiology® (ACR®) has put together a detailed summary outlining issues that impact radiology.
The rule includes payment provisions related to the relative value unit and conversion factor updates for CY 2021, regulatory changes related to scope of practice and supervision, as well as updates to the Quality Payment Program for CY 2021.
CMS is waiving the 60-day effective date delay due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. Typically, the final rule is published in early November to allow for a 60-day delay in the effective date in accordance with the Congressional Review Act. CMS expects to provide a 30-day delay in the effective date of the final rule, which means that it will likely be published no later than Dec. 2, 2020. The finalized changes will be effective Jan. 1, 2021.
The ACR Commissions Economics and Quality and Safety, along with staff, will review these proposals in detail and will draft comments during the 60-day comment period. Comments are due to CMS by Oct. 5, 2020.