AJMC July 13, 2024
CMS Unveils Proposed 2025 Physician Fee Schedule, Maternal Health Standards
On July 10, 2023, HHS and CMS proposed the 2025 Physician Fee Schedule, which includes a 2.8% reduction in the conversion factor to $32.36 from $33.29 in 2024. This proposal aims to enhance behavioral health services, extend telehealth waivers, and introduce new Merit-based Incentive Payment System Value Pathways (MVPs). It also addresses significant, anomalous, and highly suspect (SAHS) billing activity. The rule includes expanded payments for opioid treatment programs, digital mental health devices, and new coding for mental health services. Additionally, it extends certain telehealth waivers and proposes new Quality Payment Program pathways. The Biden administration’s initiative introduces federal maternal health standards for hospitals, aiming to improve maternal health outcomes,...