CMS Issues 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule

Being a physician in the District in the 21st century means being on the front line of the most pressing public health issues in the world. In our small geographic boundaries, physicians help address issue found in every state all in one area. The issues are too lengthy to list on one webpage but physicians are on the front lines of addressing health issues for all District residents.

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CMS Issues 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule

Aug 5, 2020, 22:47 PM by MSDC Staff

CMS released its proposed Medicare PFS for 2021 on Monday.

On Monday, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule updating the 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) beginning January 2021. This was issued in tandem with the Trump Administration's Executive Order on Improving Rural and Telehealth Access.

The proposed rate rule runs over 1,300 pages, and already various medical specialties have begun publishing analysis for their physicians. MSDC is grateful for the staff at the American Medical Association for analyzing this proposed rule and sharing their analysis. The below is their analysis, which will be updated as more becomes available from them and other sources.

Physician Fee Schedule rule summary

AMA Press Release

AMA Initial Analysis

ACOG Press Release

Sample of Health Equity Legislation MSDC Tracked

Student Access to Treatment Amendment Act (B23-467)

What does it say? The bill allows for the administration of medicinal marijuana in schools as well as allows students to bring sunscreen to schools and apply it without a prescription.

MSDC position: MSDC supports the language permitting sunscreen application in schools

Current status: A win for DC physicians and public health! The legislation passed the Council in February and was signed by the Mayor. Previous temporary and emergency legislation permitted students to use sunscreen at schools this school year already.

Electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment Registry Amendment Act (B23-261)

What does it say? The bill requires DC Health to establish an electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment registry (eMOST).

MSDC position: MSDC supports this legislation to more easily allow patients to make their treatment orders known.

Current status: A win for the physician community and our patients! The Council passed the bill in December and the Mayor signed it into law on January 16, 2020.

Healthy Beverage Choices Amendment Act (B23-495)

What does it say? The bill would implement a 1.5 cent per ounce tax on the distribution of "sugary" beverages. The money collected from the tax would establish a Healthy People, Healthy Places Open Spaces Grant Program.

MSDC position: MSDC sent a letter to Council Chair Mendelson asking for a hearing to discuss all of the issues around a beverage tax.

Current status: The bill was introduced October 8, 2019 and referred to the Committee on Business and Economic Development and the Committee of the Whole.