The Final Rule includes payment reductions such as:
• 33 percent cut for cervical epidural payments
• 56 percent cut for cervical epidural when performed in an office setting
• 19 percent cut for lumbar epidural injection payments
• 49 percent cut for lumbar epidural when performed in an office setting
Physicians now receive $42 payment for performing these epidurals before additional cuts related to the sustainable growth rate go into effect. As a result, the letter warns pain physicians will be forced to perform these procedures in ambulatory surgery centers or hospital outpatient departments, increasing the cost.
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