Time Line for Changes in Outpatient Medicare Reimbursement
Rebasing is just one of the many changes in store for post-acute care providers as Medicare seeks to rein in costs across the spectrum of health care services, says Hal Wagher, JD, director for Fowler Healthcare Affiliates, in Atlanta. Other changes on the horizon for skilled nursing, home health, and outpatient rehab, include:
May 1, 1998 Federal skilled nursing per diems to be published.
July 1, 1998 Skilled nursing prospective payment system (PPS) begins its three-year phase-in. Elimination of ew provider exemption.
Oct. 1, 1998 Transfer Rule to be implemented for 10 high volume diagnosis-related groups (DRGs) covering transfer to post acute care. This means a reduction in reimbursements for certain transfers to post acute care providers. Which DRGs will be covered is still to be determined by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Jan. 1, 1999 Fee schedule for outpatient therapy services to be published. Per beneficiary therapy cap of $1,500 to be implemented for all but hospital-based outpatient therapy providers.
Oct. 1, 1999 Home health PPS four-year phase in begins. Proposal for long term care hospital PPS to be announced.
Oct. 1, 2000 Inpatient rehabilitation PPS three-year phase-in to begin.
Jan. 1, 2001 PPS for outpatient rehabilitation to be announced.
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