Medicare Increases Payment Rates for Most Physicians

Publication
Article
Oncology NEWS InternationalOncology NEWS International Vol 10 No 1
Volume 10
Issue 1

WASHINGTON-Physicians will receive an average 4.5% increase in Medicare payment rates in 2001, the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) announced. Increases will range from nothing to 12%, depending on specialty.

WASHINGTON—Physicians will receive an average 4.5% increase in Medicare payment rates in 2001, the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) announced. Increases will range from nothing to 12%, depending on specialty.

Those paid under the classification hematology/oncology will receive a 6% payment increase; radiation oncologists will get 3%; and internal medicine physicians, 5%. Neurosurgeons received 1%, general surgeons, 2%; and obstetricians/gynecologists and urologists each received 6%.

Medicare payments will vary for specific services because the agency is in the midst of implementing a new payment system for physician practice expenses based on the resources involved in treating patients rather than on physician’s historical charges.

Recent Videos
Most central nervous system events with lorlatinib were grade 1 or 2 in the phase 3 CROWN trial.
Treatment with lorlatinib did not increase cardiovascular events among patients with ALK-positive non–small cell lung cancer in the CROWN trial.
Having all the necessary staff together, from medical oncologists to pharmacists, helps deliver the best possible outcomes to patients with cancer.
At 5 years, 60% of patients who received lorlatinib in the phase 3 CROWN study achieved progression-free survival.
Joseph C. Landolfi, DO, CPE, and Michelle Morrison, MPH, BSHA, RN, discuss how they can use their leadership roles to improve cancer care.
Prior studies, like the phase 3 VISION trial, may support the notion of combining radiopharmaceuticals with best supportive care.