Large boost to E/M work RVUs proposed in new rule

Written by Reed Tinsley, CPA | June 22, 2006

From Part B News (www.partbnews.com):

You would see a 37% boost to the work RVUs for 99213 – the most commonly billed code to Medicare – beginning in 2007. That would raise the national average payment to $62.91 from $52.68 (in the unlikely event all other elements of the physician payment formula remained unchanged).

The change would occur as a result of CMS’s proposed five-year-review changes to work RVUs, the agency announced today. The proposed rule was  issued late Wednesday afternoon.

Work RVUs for 99214 and 99204 would increase 29% under CMS’s proposal, while 99222 and 99232 would be boosted by 31%. The existing patient codes are among the top 10 codes billed to Medicare.  (Work RVUs make up 52.5% of the Medicare reimbursement dollar.)

About the Author

Reed Tinsley CPA

This article is written by Reed Tinsley, a Houston, TX-based CPA with over 30 years of experience advising physicians and medical practices across Texas and the United States. Reed holds certifications as a Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA), Certified Healthcare Business Consultant (CHBC), and Certified Financial Planner (CFP), specializing exclusively in the healthcare sector. He is a published author, nationally recognized speaker, and trusted advisor to physicians on accounting & tax, practice management, and financial planning. Schedule a Free Consultation.

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