Medicare Improves Access to Preventive Services for 2011
New Physician Payment Policies Emphasize Role of Primary Care
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final
rule with comment period that will implement key provisions in the Affordable
Care Act of 2010 that expand preventive services for Medicare beneficiaries,
improve payments for primary care services, and promote access to health care
services in rural areas. The new policies will apply to payments under the
Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) for services furnished on or after Jan.
1, 2011.
The final rule with comment period implements provisions in the Affordable Care
Act that expand beneficiary access to preventive services and, for the first
time, provide coverage under the traditional fee-for-service program for an
annual wellness visit beginning Jan. 1, 2011. This visit augments the benefits
of the Initial Preventive Physical Examination (IPPE or "Welcome to Medicare
Visit") with an annual visit that allows the physician and patient to develop a
personalized prevention plan that considers not only the age-appropriate
preventive services generally available to Medicare beneficiaries, but
additional services that may be appropriate because of the patient's individual
health status.
CMS will accept comments on certain aspects of the final rule with comment
period until Jan. 3, 2011.
To view the rule and supporting documentation, go to:
http://www.cms.gov/PhysicianFeeSched/PFSFRN/itemdetail.asp?itemID=CMS1240932&;
To read the entire CMS Press Release issued today (11/3) click here: :
http://www.cms.gov/apps/media/press_releases.asp
CMS also issued Fact Sheets (11/3) with additional details at:
http://www.cms.gov/apps/media/fact_sheets.asp
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November Flu Shot Reminder
Each Office Visit is an Opportunity. Medicare patients give many reasons for
not getting their annual flu vaccination, but the fact is that there are 36,000
flu-related deaths in the United States each year, on average. More than 90% of
these deaths occur in people 65 years of age and older. Please talk with your
Medicare patients about the importance of getting their annual flu vaccination.
This Medicare-covered preventive service will protect them for the entire flu
season. And remember, vaccination is important for health care workers too, who
may spread the flu to high risk patients. Don't forget to immunize yourself and
your staff. Protect your patients. Protect your family. Protect yourself. Get
Your Flu Vaccine - Not the Flu.
Remember - Influenza vaccine plus its administration are covered Part B
benefits. Note that influenza vaccine is NOT a Part D covered drug. For
information about Medicare's coverage of the influenza vaccine and its
administration, as well as related educational resources for health care
professionals and their staff, please visit the following CMS websites
http://www.cms.gov/MLNProducts/Downloads/Flu_Products.pdf and
http://www.cms.gov/AdultImmunizations.
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