The ACC and other medical societies are urging the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to reconsider a policy it finalized in the calendar year (CY) 2022 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule that changed billing rules for reporting split/shared visits.

Effective Jan. 1, split/shared critical care visits must be reported by whichever clinician contributes more than half the total time in qualifying activities. A similar requirement is scheduled for implementation Jan. 1, 2023, for evaluation and management (E/M) services provided in the facility setting, with payment being made only to the clinician who contributes more than half the total time.

The ACC critiqued this proposal in CY 2022 rulemaking and has joined with other medical societies in sending two letters to agency seeking changes for CY 2023. A letter with the American Medical Association notes the harm these changes will create for "physician-led, team-based patient care." Another letter with the American College of Physicians further notes administrative burdens and challenging mechanics necessary for compliance. Ideally, CMS will correct course in CY 2023 proposed rulemaking this summer.

Keywords: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S., American Medical Association, Medicare, Fee Schedules, Policy, Prospective Payment System, ACC Advocacy

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