CMS proposes colonoscopy payment cuts for 2016: 4 key points

CMS has released the 2016 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule, which includes cuts for colonoscopy and other lower GI/endoscopy procedures, according to the American Gastroenterological Association.

Advertisement

Here are four key points on how the proposed rule would affect GI.

1. The reimbursement cuts for the colonoscopy family procedures could be up to 19 percent.

2. The AGA and its sister GI societies are unable to estimate the full impact of the cuts yet, due to errors in data files posted by CMS.

3. Proposed changes for 11 lower GI/endoscopy procedures, by RVU percent change, include:

•    Colonoscopy with biopsy (45380): -19 percent
•    Colonoscopy with snare polypectomy (45385): -12 percent
•    Colonoscopy (45378): -11 percent
•    Colorectal cancer screen, high risk (G0105): -2 percent
•    Colorectal cancer screen, low risk (G0121): -2 percen
•    Colonoscopy with hot biopsy (45384): -11 percent
•    Colonoscopy with submucosal injection (45381): -14 percent
•    Colonoscopy, flexible with ablation (45388): -15 percent
•    Flexible sigmoidoscopy with biopsy (45331): -7 percent
•    Flexible sigmoidoscopy (45330): -20 percent
•    Colonoscopy with control of bleeding (45382): -16 percent

4. The AGA, American College of Gastroenterology and American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy are working to combat these proposed cuts.

Click here to view the full proposed Physician Fee Schedule rule.

More articles on gastroenterology:
Are gastroenterologists migrating to alternative payment models?
CMS to test new colonoscopy quality measure for ASCs through July 31: 4 key points
Dr. John Cluely completes GI fellowship: 4 key points

At the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference, taking place June 11-13 in Chicago, spine surgeons, orthopedic leaders and ASC executives will come together to explore minimally invasive techniques, ASC growth strategies and innovations shaping the future of outpatient spine care. Apply for complimentary registration now.

Advertisement

Next Up in GI & Endoscopy

Advertisement

Comments are closed.