The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has decided to hold up release of the final 2003 physician payment rule. The rule was delayed due to questions regarding the anesthesia provision of the rule and the work value data used by CMS from anesthesiologists.
The final rule was due for publication on November 1st. The deadline for release is December 1 - so that insurance carriers have the time to pay the 2003 rates and implement the proposed 4.4% cut on January 1, 2003.
CMS is not in a position to change the physician payment update formula; the decision to make changes is up to Congress. Congress is not due back in session until mid-November and dependant upon the action taken, the deadline could be extended from December 1st to a later date.
Physician offices will begin to receive their participation agreements in the near future. The AMC/NOMA will continue to evaluate this situation and provide updates to our members regarding the status of the rule.