Inside CMS’ changes to the MPFS and OPPS

CMS on Thursday issued two final rules updating the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) and the Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS), and many industry groups argue the changes will hurt hospitals next year.

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Details on the MPFS changes

In the MPFS final rule, CMS decreased MPFS’ conversion factor by 3.4%, which will lead to a 1.25% reduction in Medicare reimbursements next year.

However, family physicians stand to see gains from the full implementation of a new billing code that will increase payments for complex patient office visits.

The rule also expands...