Aug. 10, 2007
RESTON, Va — On July 2, 2007, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released its proposed 2008 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. The American Academy of Audiology (AAA) reports that it views one aspect of the proposal as a positive step for audiology: Audiology has attained “work” status, which is a recognition that the profession has sought.
However, the Academy has reservations about other aspects of the proposal; if the current methodology is accepted and implemented, the field will incur a decrease in reimbursement levels within the next two years. The Academy views this as unacceptable and intends to lobby for the stability of audiology reimbursement during the CMS comment period, which ends August 31, 2007.
Although the Academy does not hold the seat for audiology in the RUC/ HCPAC process, it has attended these meetings and has participated closely in the process of the elimination of the non-physician work pool (NPWP). The Academy is engaged in discussion with CMS and other stakeholders to ensure that reimbursement for audiology remains stable both now and in the future.
SOURCE: AAA
