Question:
How will the conversion factor in the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule impact radiology providers?
Answer:
For 2022, despite numerous outcries and opposition to reimbursement cuts, the conversion factor is set to slide down to 33.5983. This seemingly small decrease from $34.8931 will have stinging impacts on radiology providers. The projected consequences will be a one percent decrease for radiology, with interventional radiology bracing for a more dire five percent decrease. Meanwhile, nuclear medicine and radiation therapy centers will prepare for a one percent decrease. This is reflected in updates to the RVUs, along “with redistributive effects of the CMS proposed clinical labor pricing update and phase-in implementation of the previously finalized updates to supply and equipment pricing.”
This question was answered in an edition of our Radiology Compliance Manager. For more hot topics relating to radiology services, please visit our store or call us at 1.800.252.1578, ext. 2.