text: CMS has issued the 2018 physician fee schedule (PFS) final rule. The rule includes updates to payment policies and payment rates, scheduled to take effect January 1, 2018. Note: the rule increases the Medicare Part B therapy cap from $1,980 to $2,010, effective 1/1/18.
  For full details on the final rule, please refer to the AHCA summary, which is linked in the bulletin below:
  Late yesterday, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule for the calendar year (CY) 2018 physician fee schedule (PFS) and final rule with comment period for the quality payment program (QPP).
  The rule includes updates to payment policies, payment rates, and quality provisions for services furnished under the PFS on or after January 1, 2018.
  The PFS pays for Medicare Part B services furnished by physicians and other practitioners in all sites of service. These services include, but are not limited to, visits, surgical procedures, diagnostic tests, therapy services, and specified preventive services. In addition to physicians, payment is made under the PFS to a variety of practitioners and entities, including nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and physical therapists, as well as radiation therapy centers, independent diagnostic testing facilities, and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs).