Medicare Resources

NARA President Announces Formation of MPPR Work Group

Recently, The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, (CMS) proposed a policy in the physician fee schedule rule, referred to as the multiple procedure payment reduction policy (MPPR) that would result in significant reductions in payment for outpatient therapy services in addition to the projected reductions due to the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR). The proposed multiple procedure payment reduction policy would apply to both the services paid under the physician fee schedule (PFS) that are furnished in the office setting and those services paid at the PFS rates that are furnished by outpatient hospitals, home health agencies (Part B), skilled nursing facilities (Part B), comprehensive rehabilitation facilities, and other entities that are paid by Medicare for outpatient therapy services.

This proposed policy will have a profound impact on the ability of businesses and providers to make vital skilled rehabilitation therapy services accessible to Medicare beneficiaries.   Further, as opposed to other critical legislation that NARA has advocated for its’ membership during the past several years, (i.e. Therapy Cap), this proposed policy is particularly of concern in that it will impact a much broader scope of care delivered in multiple settings, as noted above.

NARA has already begun serving its’ membership and the industry by participating in and becoming a stakeholder in a variety of key collaborative efforts with other associations such as the APTA & AOTA.      Personally being a participant in some of these efforts on behalf of NARA, I am proud and appreciative of the levels of both proactive and reactive measures that are being discussed and/or acted upon to communicate, educate, and hopefully prevent this policy from being implemented.

Consistent with NARA’s 31 year history of uniting organizations and providers in advocating for the preservation, advancement, and success of ethical business practices that enable service delivery, I ask for you to participate in our efforts to aggregate the efforts and voice of our vital industry.     NARA’s unique ability to facilitate networking and communication amongst industry leaders, providers & organizations, as well as the various professions/disciplines in our industry will be of particular benefit to our membership and the efforts mentioned above.

Therefore, NARA is establishing a MPPR Work Group that will be facilitated by me and our Legislative & Reimbursement Committee Chair, Mark Anderson.      The key objectives will be to inform and update membership on the status of this proposed policy, as well as stimulate critical local “grass roots” communication efforts with consumers and legislators.  Further, our ability to aggregate data and Intel relative to the impact of this legislation on businesses and providers delivery of quality care will be essential in providing commentary to CMS before they make a final ruling.

We have established a conference call for July 28th at 4pm CST.  If you would like to participate please contact Christie Sheets at christie.sheets@naranet.org or 866-839-7710 to participate in this important Work Group. 

CMS will hold Nationwide RAC 101 Calls starting April 28, 2010

CMS Announces Series of Nationwide RAC 101 Calls. The subject matter of the RAC conference calls will be RAC 101. They will be presented by CMS staff. The content on each call will not change drastically. The RAC operational process will be discussed and there will be a question and answer session held at the end. The information presented will not be drastically different from other RAC 101 sessions that were held in the past in conjunction with the hospital and/or medical associations. These calls offer another opportunity for providers who missed the earlier presentations to hear the RAC 101 session and to ask any questions they may have regarding the RAC process. Registration is not required for the calls.

April 28, 2010 1:00pm - 2:30pm EST: Nationwide RAC 101 Call, 1-877-251-0301, meeting ID: 66532244

May 4, 2010 1:00pm - 2:30pm EST: Nationwide RAC 101 Call for Home Health and Hospice Providers, 1-877-251-0301, meeting ID: 66524952

May 5, 2010 1:00pm - 2:30pm EST: Nationwide RAC 101 Call for DMEPOS, 1-877-251-0301, meeting ID: 66527260

May 12, 2010 1:00pm - 2:30pm EST: Nationwide RAC 101 Call for Physicians, 1-877-251-0301, meeting ID: 66529242

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