Plan early for divestiture as self-referral bans close in

Article Abstract:

Physicians should begin preparing themselves for impending state and federal regulations governing self-referral, a situation where physicians own an interest in labs and other medical businesses. In deciding when and whether to divest, physicians should: be aware that businesses involving invasive procedures are less prone to bans than labs; obtain an independent appraisal of an investment to determine when to sell it; document the community need for services they wish to retain; observe 'safe harbor' rules limiting investments to 40% of stock.

Investments, Medical referral

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AMA hangs tough on RBRVS, vows to work for revision

Article Abstract:

The American Medical Assn (AMA) supports correcting inequities in the new Medicare physician payment system rather than scrapping the system. The AMA's efforts to restructure the resource-based relative value scale (RBRVS) include eliminating reduced payments for new doctors, correcting the unfairness of geographic practice cost indices and restoring electrocardiogram interpretation payments. The AMA also opposes the expansion of RBRVS to private payers because of problems with the federal implementation of the payment system.

Management, Social policy, FFHC

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Doctors need to stay united on RBRVS

Article Abstract:

The passage of Medicare payment reforms in 1989 created a resource-based relative value scale (RBRVS) to determine appropriate payments for Medicare physicians. The American Medical Assn (AMA) has implemented a series of regional seminars to instruct physicians on the rules and regulations of payment reform. The AMA is also creating a number of mechanisms that will monitor the RBRVS system and inform doctors.

Admin. of social & manpower programs, Editorial, Economic policy, Medicare

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