Initial Summary of the 2019 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) and Quality Payment Program (QPP) Proposed Rule

On July 12, 2018, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the Revisions to Payment Policies under Physician Fee Schedule and Other Revisions to Part B for CY 2019; Medicare Shared Savings Program Requirements proposed rule with comment period. This is the first year that CMS is combining the Medicare PFS and the Quality Payment Program proposed rules. CMS is requesting comments on the proposed rule by September 10, 2018, and a final rule is expected to be released in November. CMS has published several fact sheets on the rule including a fact sheet on the QPP changes, and a fact sheet on the PFS proposals for 2019. AMA is continuing to review the rule and will work with our colleagues in the federation to further analyze and draft responses to these proposals in the coming weeks. Click here for a summary of some of the proposals included in the draft regulation.