The @CMSGov has released the 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule final rule. This rule establishes the framework for physician services provided to Medicare beneficiaries, including compensation for those services.

https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/trump-administration-finalizes-permanent-expansion-medicare-telehealth-services-and-improved-payment

Of note for family physicians, the final rule includes provisions that represent an increased investment in primary care – the most significant such investment made by @CMSGov since the implementation of the RBRVS system over 30 years ago.

The policies proposed are not new. They were developed/proposed in 2019 and @CMSGov has signaled their intentions to finalize these policies for more than 2 years. Huge kudos to @SeemaCMS for following through on her commitment to making a greater investment in primary care.

The increases in values for E&M codes followed the normal process. The increases were supported by the entire physician community when they were proposed.

As you think about this policy and their impact on the Medicare program remember that, historically, primary care accounts for > 50% of physician visits but less < 5% of Medicare spending. Put another way, Medicare spends 95% of its resources on about 45% of services.

. @CMSGov , through this rule, is signaling that the time and complexity of current day primary care deserves greater financial support. This is not controversial – almost the entire health policy universe endorses this approach.

Primary care is not only best positioned to meet the comprehensive physical and mental health care needs of Medicare patients, they are uniquely positioned to improve the quality, costs and value of care provided in the program.

When you consider the health conditions of Medicare patients and the drivers of spending in the program (chronic conditions), the increased investment in primary care is beyond justified and @CMSGov is simply aligning its resources where they can make the most positive impact.

In closing, it is important to acknowledge the negative impact COVID has had on primary care and other physician practices. We should prioritize the financial stability of physician practices in an appropriate manner - outside of the fee schedule.