Is OPPS rule as good as it looks for EDs?

The proposed payment rule for hospital outpatient services could significantly enhance your department's revenues in the coming year. Familiarizing yourself with the new service levels can help point out strategies that will help boost your Medicare reimbursement. The new Level 5 ambulatory payment classification (APC) will pay nearly 100 dollars more than this year's highest level, so determine the percentage of your patients that fall within that category to estimate your potential reimbursement gains. Offer fast track services or place physicians in triage to reduce the number of low-acuity patients that come into your ED. Market appropriate use of your ED to limit the number of patients who come to your department seeking primary care services.