Final 2023 physician fee schedule out from CMS; early reactions register exasperation, resolve
CMS has finalized the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) for 2023, and its reimbursement reductions for radiology are less harsh than those proposed preliminarily in July.
The 2023 conversion factor will fall from $34.6062 in 2022 to $33.0067 in 2023. This will trigger an overall pay decrease of around 2% across radiology, according to an initial analysis by the American College of Radiology, which had summer’s proposed rule slashing the specialty’s pay by a full percentage point more.
Rates for related specialties and subspecialties are to be similarly less hard-hit than expected, with interventional radiology taking a 3% plunge (vs. 4% projected), nuclear medicine 2% (vs. 3%) and radiation oncology and radiation therapy 1% (same as projected).
Still, the final rule document, issued Nov. 1, is a bitter enough pill to swallow that pointed words of weary protest immediately arose from some major groups representing physicians and practices.
“As expected, CMS finalized a substantial reduction to the conversion factor—negatively impacting physician reimbursement across the board,” Anders Gilberg, senior VP of government affairs with the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) said in written remarks Nov. 2. “It is more critical than ever that Congress act to avert these cuts, as well as the 4% PAYGO sequestration, before the end of the year. … MGMA looks forward to working with both Congress and the Administration to mitigate these cuts and develop sustainable payment policies to allow physician practices to focus on treating patients instead of scrambling to keep their doors open.”
“While disappointed in CMS’s action, we also recognize that this is Congress’s problem to fix,” Jerry Penso, president and CEO of the American Medical Group Association (AMGA), said in comments shared with the press Nov. 2. “This annual brinksmanship with Medicare payments is not sustainable and does not support better care for patients. These cuts undermine AMGA members’ ability to best care for their patients and invest in the technology, infrastructure and staff needed to transition to value-based care.”
Within radiology, the ACR has outlined implications of the final rule for ACR members and stakeholders, and is planning to release a detailed synopsis in the near future.
CMS has posted a press release and fact sheet fleshing out the 2023 MPFS final rule in some detail.
Dave P. has worked in journalism, marketing and public relations for more than 30 years, frequently concentrating on hospitals, healthcare technology and Catholic communications. He has also specialized in fundraising communications, ghostwriting for CEOs of local, national and global charities, nonprofits and foundations.