Synopsis
This 2009 Guide offers physicians an updated overview of the Resource-Based Relative Value Scale (RBRVS), covering its components, operation, and applications. In addition to providing detailed background information and explaining all features of the physician payment system, the book also serves as a reference for physicians and their staff to use in answering particular questions about the system. Parts 1 and 2 introduce the RBRVS payment system and describe its key components. Part 3 explains the operation of the payment system, including calculation of payments, and Part 4 focuses on how the system may affect physicians' practices. Part 5 presents all elements necessary for calculating the Medicare payment schedule: 2009 relative value units and payment policy indicators for each physician's service, and geographic practice cost indices (GPCIs) for 2009 for each Medicare payment locality. About 25 pages of appendices provide a glossary, a directory of resources, and temporary codes. This 2009 edition offers a more detailed discussion of Medicare's payment policies, provides updated information on payment rules that took effect in 2009, and offers more details for each Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code on payment policies and policy actions the AMA has taken since enactment of payment system revisions. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
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