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The Physician Payment Review Commission: a 1990 update.
Bulletin of the American College of Surgeons
|June 1, 1990
Summary
Medicare Part B payment policy is undergoing major reforms over the next five years. Key objectives have been met, though disagreements persist regarding separate Medicare Volume Performance Standards (MVPS) for surgical procedures.
Area of Science:
- Health Policy
- Medical Economics
- Healthcare Administration
Background:
- Significant changes have been implemented in Medicare Part B payment policy.
- The Patient and Provider Review Commission (PPRC) and the American College of Surgeons (ACS) have achieved many of their reform objectives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the progress and remaining challenges in Medicare Part B payment reform.
- To address the differing opinions on Medicare Volume Performance Standards (MVPS) for surgical procedures.
- To highlight the inadequacy of Medicaid service payments and the PPRC's commitment to rectifying this.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of recent Medicare Part B payment policy changes.
- Review of objectives set by the PPRC and ACS.
- Assessment of ongoing implementation processes and areas of disagreement.
Main Results:
- Implementation of Medicare reform measures is scheduled over the next five years.
- A primary point of contention is the establishment of separate MVPS for surgical procedures, requiring further data.
- Medicaid service payment levels are frequently insufficient, necessitating recommendations to Congress.
Conclusions:
- Progress on Medicare Part B reforms is on schedule, despite technical challenges.
- Resolution of the MVPS debate for surgical services requires more data and continued collaboration.
- Addressing inequities in Medicaid payments is a priority for the PPRC.