Physician Fee Schedule “Fix” through March 2014

President Obama signed the Pathway for SGR Reform Act of 2013 on December 26 preventing the scheduled 20% Medicare fee schedule reduction planned for January 1, 2014.  The legislation provides an increase of 5.3% to the conversion factor.  The 2014 conversion factor is $35.8228.  With the relative value unit changes scheduled for January 1, 2014, the net effect will be minimal.  Reimbursement rates will be similar to 2013 Medicare rates.  This is a temporary fix and expires on March 31, 2014.  This temporary fix provides an opportunity for Congress to develop a permanent fix to the flawed Sustainable Growth Rate formula. 

Check your local Medicare Administrative Contractor websites for your 2014 fee schedules.