This afternoon the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released its final rule for the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for 2013. The rule, which is titled "Medicare Program; Revisions to Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule, DME Face-to-Face Encounters, Elimination of the Requirement for Termination of Non-Random Prepayment Complex Medical Review and Other Revisions to Part B for CY 2013" became available today, November 1, 2012 and can be viewed at https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2012/11/16/2012-26900/medicare-program-revisions-to-payment-policies-under-the-physician-fee-schedule-dme-face-to-face.   

CMS estimates that in calendar year 2013 the hematology/oncology specialty will see a positive impact of 2%. The actual impact on individual physician practices will depend on the mix of services provided. ASCO will be analyzing the final rule in greater detail and more information will be forthcoming.

If you have any questions, please contact ASCO's Cancer Policy & Clinical Affairs Department at 571-483-1670 or publicpolicy@asco.org.