PPRC, HHS outline plans to monitor Medicare access

Article Abstract:

The Physician Payment Review Commission (PPRC) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have each issued reports outlining ways to address Medicare payment system problems. The PPRC and HHS reports give special consideration to vulnerable groups such as the poor, minorities and rural residents who have traditionally experienced medical access problems. The reports also differ in their scope. The HHS report focuses on the details of whether a beneficiary group receives care, while the PPRC report is much broader and concentrates on the overall picture of medical care access.

Evaluation

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New cost rules raise Medicare pay more than expected

Article Abstract:

Changes in Medicare payment rates will boost the average physician's Medicare payment slightly, an average of $240 in 1993. The changes, which will go into effect on Jan 1, 1993, are based on a revised Medicare Economic Index (MEI), which measures physician costs. Based on the new MEI, surgical services will get a 3.1% increase instead of the 2.6% increase they would have received under the old system. Nonsurgical services will receive a .8% increase instead of .3%. The revised MEI is based on data gathered in 1989 and involves a recalculated formula for determining physician expenses.

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Medicare releases 1993 pay rates; primary care, some specialists benefit; most surgeons face cuts

Article Abstract:

Medicare has released its 1993 pay rates, incorporating physician suggestions in assessing rates for each specialty. Psychiatry and pathology each received a 1.6% increase and chiropractic received a 4.9% increase. Several specialties received rate increases due to inflation; surgical rates received a 3.1% increase and nonsurgical services received a 0.8% increase. Medicare adopted 55% of the new code values suggested by the American Medical Assn.

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