CMS Extends Medicare Participation Decision Period for Physicians

Due to the enactment of the Medicare, Medicaid and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007 (Act), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reports that it is extending the participation decision period an additional 45 days. 

The Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule for 2008 provided for a 10.1 percent reduction in the Medicare payment rate for physician services beginning January 1, 2008.  The Act prevented the 10.1 percent reduction from taking effect on January 1, 2008 and replaced it with a 0.5 percent increase through June 30, 2008.  Due to this late change, CMS reports that the participation decision period will now run through February 15, 2008, instead of ending on December 31, 2007.  However, all participating status changes will be effective January 1, 2008.