On December 2, 2013, CMS published its final rule updating Medicare end-stage renal disease (ESRD) PPS rates and policies for 2014. Instead of cutting rates by more than 9%, as CMS proposed this summer, the final rule holds 2014 rates flat compared to 2013. This improved reimbursement picture is a result of CMS adopting a multi-year phase-in of a drug utilization adjustment to the base rate mandated by the ATRA, which is intended to reflect changes in ESRD-related drugs and biologicals use since 2007. Instead of making the full drug utilization adjustment in 2014, which would be -$29.93, CMS is applying a $8.16 reduction in 2014, and the remainder of the adjustment will be phased in over the next two to three years (to be determined in the 2016 rulemaking). The 2014 drug utilization adjustment offsets other payment updates in the rule, including the 2.5% base rate update (derived from a 3.2% market basket update reduced by a 0.4% productivity adjustment). The rule also finalizes a 50% increase to the home dialysis training add-on payment adjustment for peritoneal dialysis and home hemodialysis training treatments. Moreover, CMS is updating ESRD Quality Incentive Program measures and scoring methodologies for 2016. Note that 2014 is the last year of the transition to the ESRD PPS; all ESRD facilities will be paid 100% of the ESRD PPS rate for services furnished on or after January 1, 2014. In addition to ESRD policy changes, the final rule addresses Medicare coverage of and payment for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS), which are discussed in a separate post.
This article is presented for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice.
