CMS has released its Calendar Year (CY) 2012 Proposed Rule for practitioners who are paid under the Physician Fee Schedule (PFS). The proposed rule would impact a variety of methodologies used to calculate physician payment, including the adjustment for geographic differences in practice expenses and the payment rates for the professional component of multiple advanced diagnostic imaging procedures. The proposed rule may be viewed here [PDF] (see full alert below for link).

CMS anticipates that the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) adjustment to physician reimbursement will result in a 29.5 percent cut in payment rates for 2012. This adjustment has historically been reversed through congressional intervention, but clashes over deficit spending in Washington add extra drama this year. As a result, there is a very real possibility that a substantial reduction in physician reimbursement will occur with the CY 2012 PFS.

Among other changes, the proposed rule would....