The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed a payment rate of $157.07 for image-guided percutaneous breast biopsies, down from $341.15 under the 2002 rates (CPT code 19102).
Image-guided biopsies with devices (CPT code 19103) were also hit hard under the 2003 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (HOPPS) rates, published Friday in the Federal Register. The proposed payment for such procedures is $289.69, down from $384.87 in the 2002 rule. Meanwhile, open breast biopsies received a reimbursement boost, to $907.04 from $716.63 in 2002.
Diagnostic mammography payments (CPT codes 76090 and 76091) received a slight increase, to $35.89 from $32.54.
The CMS will accept public comments on the rule until October 7. Comments should be sent to:
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid ServicesDepartment of Health and Human Services
Attention: CMS-1206-P
PO Box 8018
Baltimore, MD 21244-8018
One original and two copies of any comments should be forwarded to CMS.
AuntMinnie.com staff writersAugust 12, 2002
Related Reading
CMS proposes 3.5% hike in 2003 outpatient payments, August 7, 2002
Hospitals say Medicare rate hike falls short, May 10, 2002
CMS panel dashes hopes for PET Alzheimer’s payments, April 22, 2002
CMS expands image-guided breast biopsy coverage, April 16, 2002
New HOPPS rates bring PET reimbursement hike, March 4, 2002
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