Medicare proposes changes to primary care payment

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has, for the first time, proposed expanding a preventive service model from the CMS Innovation Center into the Medicare program.

Expanding the Diabetes prevention Program within Medicare is among the proposed improvements to the Physician Fee Schedule that would change how Medicare pays for services provided by primary care physicians and other practitioners for patients with multiple chronic conditions, mental and behavioral health issues as well as cognitive impairment or mobility-related impairments.

“Today’s proposals are intended to give a significant lift to the practice of primary care and to boost the time a physician can spend with their patients listening, advising and coordinating their care – both for physical  and mental health,” says CMS Acting Administrator Andrew Slavitt. “If this rule is finalized, it will put our nation’s money where its mouth is by continuing to recognize the importance of prevention, wellness and mental health and chronic disease management.”

The changes align with Medicare’s priorities and reward physicians for quality care through the Quality Payment Program.

Nicole Stempak

Nicole was Senior Editor at I Advance Senior Care and Long Term Living Magazine 2015-2017. She has a Journalism degree from Kent State University and is finalizing a master’s degree in Information Architecture and Management. She has extensive studies in the digital user experience and in branding online media. She has worked as an editor and writer for various B2B publications, including Business Finance.