The Society of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) has issued a statement opposing conversion factor cuts to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed rule for 2025.
In 2025, the Medicare conversion factor will decrease for the fifth consecutive year, dropping by about 2.8% from $33.28 to $32.35. This stems from the expiration of a temporary 2.9% increase to the conversion factor at the close of 2024, alongside a 0% baseline update for 2025 as outlined in the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act. However, the CMS also projects a 3.6% increase in the Medicare Economic Index for 2025.
The SNMMI said it will continue to work with the entire medical community on this issue, although the CMS expects the MPFS' impact to be neutral for nuclear medicine and radiology.
The society also voiced concern that the 2025 continuing resolution, which was passed on December 20, only mitigates rather than eliminates the scheduled cut. It called for a long-term solution for Medicare payment structure issues rather than temporary fixes.
The SNMMI added that it will continue to work with Congress and other stakeholders on the Medicare conversion factor through the legislative process.
The full statement can be read here.
