Published in:
01-06-2017 | Orthopaedic Health Policy (A Miller, section editor)
Medicare reimbursement and orthopedic surgery: past, present, and future
Authors:
R. Carter Clement, Suneel B. Bhat, Meredith E. Clement, James C. Krieg
Published in:
Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine
|
Issue 2/2017
Login to get access
Abstract
Purpose of review
This paper reviews the history and structure of Medicare reimbursement with a focus on aspects relevant to the field of orthopedic surgery. Namely, this includes Parts A and B, with particular attention paid to the origins of Diagnosis Related Groups (DRG) and the physician fee schedule, respectively. We then review newer policies affecting orthopedic surgeons.
Recent findings
Recent Medicare reforms relevant to our field include readmission penalties, the evolution of bundled payments including the mandatory Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CJR) and Surgical Hip and Femur Fracture Treatment (SHFFT) programs, and the new mandatory Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) pay-for-performance program.
Summary
Providers are facing an increasingly complex payment system and are required to assume growing levels of financial risk. Physicians and practices who prepare for these changes will likely fare best and may even benefit.