In response to the 2005 MPFS proposed rule, the ACR submitted a comment letter to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Main issues that were addressed in the letter included comments on the low osmolar contrast media (LOCM), professional liability insurance relative value units (RVUs), coding issues and the change in global period for CPT® code 77427 (radiation treatment management, five treatments), practice expense and Medicare update.
CMS typically publishes the MPFS twice annually, a proposed rule in late summer and a final rule in the fall. The proposed rule contains proposed policies and payment for physician services for 2005. The final rule contains policies and physician reimbursement that will be in place for 2005. Information on new codes for the upcoming year is only published in the final rule.
The proposed conversion factor (CF) for 2005 is 37.8975. The CF for 2004 is 37.3374.