CMS expands preventive service coverage

CMS expands preventive service coverage

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has expanded coverage for preventive services such as diabetes screening. Beginning Jan. 1, 2007, CMS is increasing payments for services that affect people with diabetes. Payments to physicians for some of the most frequently billed face-to-face doctor/patient services has increased and access for rural and underserved areas also has been enhanced. Preventive services, such as abdominal aortic aneurysm screening, have been added to the initial Medicare exam and colorectal screening procedures have been excluded from the Part B deductible. For more information on preventive tests covered by CMS, go to www.cms.hhs.gov/partnerships/downloads/diabetesupdate.pdf.