Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

As promised, CMS has delivered a 1.5 percent increase in the Physician Fee Schedule for 2004. This is good news for physicians, neurologists included, who had initially faced a 4.5 percent payment reduction for 2004. (See Neurology Coding Alert, February 2004, page 11 for more information.)
 
The new conversion factor is 37.3374, versus 36.7856 in 2003. CMS transmittal 34, change request 3028, dated Dec. 24, 2003, outlines the changes to the fee schedule, which go into effect beginning Jan. 5, 2004. After this date, all Medicare claims should be reimbursed using the new conversion factor.