CMS is putting the finishing touches on its proposed 2012 Physician Fee Schedule and expects to release it "very shortly," in the words of Stewart Streimer, director of the agency's Provider Billing Group. This vague hint was one of the first announcements Streimer made during today's physician open door call.
Based on when CMS released the proposed fee schedule last year, his remark probably means you can expect the proposed rule for 2012 out by this Friday. The 2011 proposed rule hit on June 25, 2010, which means we're a few days over already.
As always, you can depend on Part B News to be the first to break down the proposed rule -- typically 1,000 pages or more in length -- and to let you know via a breaking news alert in your email.
If you missed the call but want the details: You can listen to a full recording (called the "Encore" feature) by dialing 1-800-642-1687 and entering conference ID# 59680265. This recording is online now and will be available until close of business July 1.