Medicare Program; Revisions to Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Revisions to Part B for CY 2016; Corrections, 12024-12030 [2016-05054]
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12024
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 45 / Tuesday, March 8, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
its metabolites and degradates, in or on
the commodities in the table below.
Compliance with the tolerance levels
specified in the table is to be
determined by measuring only
fluopyram in or on the commodity.
Commodity
Parts per
million
Sugarcane, cane ........................
0.08
(d) Indirect or inadvertent residues. It
is recommended that tolerances be
established for indirect or inadvertent
residues of fungicide fluopyram, N-[2[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2pyridinyl]ethyl]-2(trifluoromethyl)benzamide, including
its metabolites and degradates, in or on
the commodities in the table below.
Compliance with the tolerance levels
specified in the table is to be
determined by measuring only
fluopyram in or on the commodity.
Commodity
Parts per
million
Alfalfa, forage .............................
Alfalfa, hay ..................................
Soybean, seed ............................
0.45
1.1
0.10
[FR Doc. 2016–05025 Filed 3–7–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
Applicability date: The corrections
indicated in this document are
applicable beginning January 1, 2016.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lisa
Ohrin Wilson (410) 786–8852, or
Matthew Edgar (410) 786–0698, for
issues related to physician self-referral
updates. Jessica Bruton, (410) 786–5991
for all other issues.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
In FR Doc. 2015–28005 (80 FR 70886
through 71386), the final rule entitled
‘‘Medicare Program; Revisions to
Payment Policies Under the Physician
Fee Schedule and Other Revisions to
Part B for CY 2016’’ (hereinafter referred
to as the CY 2016 PFS final rule with
comment period), there were a number
of technical and typographical errors
that are identified and corrected in
section IV., the Correction of Errors. The
effective date for the rule was January 1,
2016, except for the definition of
‘‘ownership or investment interest’’ in
§ 411.362(a), which has an effective date
of January 1, 2017. These corrections are
applicable as of January 1, 2016. We
note that Addenda B and C to the CY
2016 PFS final rule with comment
period as corrected by this correcting
amendment are available on the CMS
Web site at https://www.cms.gov//
PhysicianFeeSched/.
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
II. Summary of Errors
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
Services
On page 70894, we inadvertently
omitted a sentence from the first
comment summary regarding applying
the same overrides used for the MP RVU
calculations to the PE calculations.
On page 70894, we inadvertently
omitted a clause from the response
summary regarding the overrides that
also apply to the MP RVU calculation in
the development of PE RVUs.
On page 70898, due to data errors
made in the ratesetting process, many of
the values contained in Table 4:
Calculation of PE RVUs under
Methodology for Selected Codes, are
incorrect.
On page 70953, we inadvertently
included language regarding the
application of the equipment utilization
assumption.
On page 70971,
a. Due to a typographical error, the
work RVU for CPT code 76945 was
listed incorrectly. As a result, the work
RVU for CPT code 76948 was also
inadvertently listed incorrectly.
b. Due to a typographical error, we
inadvertently referred to CPT code
76948 rather than CPT code 76945.
A. Summary of Errors in the Preamble
42 CFR Parts 405, 410, 411, 414, 425,
and 495
[CMS–1631–F2]
RIN 0938–AS40
Medicare Program; Revisions to
Payment Policies Under the Physician
Fee Schedule and Other Revisions to
Part B for CY 2016; Corrections
Centers for Medicare &
Medicaid Services (CMS), HHS.
ACTION: Final rule; correcting
amendment.
AGENCY:
This document corrects
technical and typographical errors that
appeared in the final rule with comment
period published in the November 16,
2015 Federal Register (80 FR 70886
through 71386) entitled ‘‘Medicare
Program; Revisions to Payment Policies
Under the Physician Fee Schedule and
Other Revisions to Part B for CY 2016.’’
DATES: Effective date: This correcting
document is effective March 7, 2016.
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SUMMARY:
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On page 70992, due to a typographical
error in Table 13—CY 2016 Actions on
Codes with CY 2015 Interim Final
RVUs, the CY 2016 work RVU for CPT
code 76948 was incorrectly displayed.
On page 71317, we inadvertently
included language in our comment
discussion on the issue regarding
compensation arrangements.
On page 71357,
a. Due to data errors, we incorrectly
stated the estimated CY 2016 net
reduction in expenditures.
b. Due to data errors, we incorrectly
stated the reduction to the conversion
factor.
c. Due to data errors, we incorrectly
stated the CY 2016 PFS conversion
factors. As a result, many of the values
in Table 60—Calculation of the CY 2016
PFS Conversion Factor, are incorrect.
d. Due to data errors, we incorrectly
stated the CY 2016 PFS anesthesia
conversion factors. As a result, many of
the values in Table 61—Calculation of
the CY 2016 PFS Anesthesia Conversion
Factor, are incorrect.
On pages 71358 through 71359, due to
data errors, many of the values in Table
62—CY 2016 PFS Estimated Impact On
Total Allowed Charges By Specialty, are
incorrect.
On pages 71359 through 71360, due to
data errors, many of the values in Table
63— Impact on CY 2016 Payment for
Selected Procedures, are incorrect.
On page 71369,
a. Due to data errors, we incorrectly
stated the CY 2016 national payment
amount in the nonfacility setting for
CPT code 99203.
b. Due to data errors, we incorrectly
stated the CY 2016 proposed beneficiary
coinsurance for CPT code 99203.
B. Summary of Errors in Regulation Text
On page 71375 of the CY 2016 PFS
final rule with comment period, we
made a typographical error in
§ 411.357(d)(1)(iv). In this paragraph, we
inadvertently included the word ‘‘for’’.
On page 71377 of the CY 2016 PFS
final rule with comment period, we
made a typographical error in
§ 411.357(x)(1)(vi)(A). In this paragraph,
we inadvertently omitted the word
‘‘directly’’.
C. Summary and Correction of Errors in
the Addenda on the CMS Web site
Due to the errors identified and
summarized in section II.A and B of this
document, we are correcting errors in
the work, PE or MP RVUs (or
combinations of these RVUs) in
Addendum B: CY 2016 Relative Value
Units (RVUs) And Related Information
Used In Determining Final Medicare
Payments and Addendum C: CY 2016
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Interim Final Relative Value Units
(RVUs). We note that corrections to the
RVUs for codes with identified errors
affect additional codes due to the budget
neutrality and relativity of the PFS.
These errors are corrected in the revised
Addenda B and C available on the CMS
Web site at https://www.cms.gov//
PhysicianFeeSched/.
In addition to the errors identified in
section II.A. of this document, the
following errors occur in the addenda.
Due to a technical error in the
development of PE RVUs, the PE RVUS
displayed in Addenda B and C were
incorrect. In constructing the algorithm
used to adjust specialty-specific volume
for individual codes as described on
page 70895 of the CY 2016 PFS final
rule, claims volumes for codes billed
with payment modifiers with different
adjustments for payment and time were
erroneously adjusted based on the timebased adjustment factor, not the
payment-based factor. As a result,
payment-adjusted volume associated
with those modifiers for which the timebased adjustment factor is different from
the payment-based adjustment factor
was inaccurate and has been corrected.
The direct impact of the errors were
limited to the practice expense for
services frequently reported with
payment modifiers with different
adjustments for payment and time.
However, the PE RVUs for many more
codes may have been affected indirectly
due to BN adjustments. The two
specialties that report services paid
under the anesthesia fee schedule were
the only specialties significantly
affected by the change. The PE RVUs
that result from the correction of this
error are reflected in the corrected
Addendum B (and Addendum C, if
applicable) available on the CMS Web
site at https://www.cms.gov//
PhysicianFeeSched/.
Due to an error in the algorithm that
we used to identify services that were
subject to the phase-in of significant
RVU reductions, CPT codes 67108,
67113, 67227 and 67228 were not
included on the list of codes subject to
the phase-in. These errors are corrected
in the revised Codes Subject to Phasein file available on the CMS Web site at
https://www.cms.gov//
PhysicianFeeSched/, and the resulting
changes to the RVUs are reflected in the
corrected Addenda B and C, available
on the CMS Web site at https://
www.cms.gov//PhysicianFeeSched/.
Due to a data error, the useful life for
the equipment item ‘‘FibroScan’’
(ER101) was incorrect in the direct PE
input database. This error is corrected in
the revised Direct PE Input Database
available on the CMS Web site at https://
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www.cms.gov//PhysicianFeeSched/. As
a result of this error being corrected,
changes to PE RVUs are reflected in the
corrected Addenda B and C, available
on the CMS Web site at https://
www.cms.gov//PhysicianFeeSched/.
Due to a data error, the incorrect CY
2016 global periods were included in
Addendum B (and Addendum C, if
applicable) for the following CPT codes:
20240, 43210, 61650, 67227, 67228,
73060, and 73560. The corrected CY
2016 global periods for these codes are
reflected in the corrected Addendum B
(and Addendum C, if applicable)
available on the CMS Web site at https://
www.cms.gov//PhysicianFeeSched/.
Due to an inadvertent error, the CY
2016 work RVUs for HCPCS codes
G0296 and G0297 were incorrectly
displayed in Addendum B. The correct
CY 2016 work RVUS for these codes are
reflected in the corrected Addendum B
available on the CMS Web site at https://
www.cms.gov//PhysicianFeeSched/.
Due to a technical error, the clinical
labor times associated with CPT codes
31654, 88333 and 99416 were
inadvertently omitted from the direct PE
input database. This error is corrected in
the revised direct PE input database
available on the CMS Web site at https://
www.cms.gov//PhysicianFeeSched/. The
PE RVUs that result from the correction
of this error are reflected in the
corrected Addendum B available on the
CMS Web site at https://www.cms.gov//
PhysicianFeeSched/.
Due to a data input omission, the
RVUs that reflect the appropriate
payment rates for the treatment of
intensive cardiac rehabilitation, as
specified under section 1848(b)(5) of the
Social Security Act (the Act), were not
included in Addendum B. The
appropriate RVUs for intensive cardiac
rehabilitation are reflected in the
corrected Addendum B available on the
CMS Web site at https://www.cms.gov//
PhysicianFeeSched/.
III. Waiver of Proposed Rulemaking
Under 5 U.S.C. 553(b) of the
Administrative Procedure Act (APA),
the agency is required to publish a
notice of the proposed rule in the
Federal Register before the provisions
of a rule take effect. Similarly, section
1871(b)(1) of the Act requires the
Secretary to provide for notice of the
proposed rule in the Federal Register
and provide a period of not less than 60
days for public comment. In addition,
section 553(d) of the APA, and section
1871(e)(1)(B)(i) of the Act mandate a 30day delay in effective date after issuance
or publication of a rule. Sections
553(b)(B) and 553(d)(3) of the APA
provide for exceptions from the APA
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12025
notice and comment, and delay in
effective date requirements; similarly,
sections 1871(b)(2)(C) and
1871(e)(1)(B)(ii) of the Act provide
exceptions from the notice and
comment, and delay in effective date
requirements of the Act. Section
553(b)(B) of the APA and section
1871(b)(2)(C) of the Act authorize an
agency to dispense with normal notice
and comment rulemaking procedures
for good cause if the agency makes a
finding that the notice and comment
process is impracticable, unnecessary,
or contrary to the public interest; and
includes a statement of the finding and
the reasons for it in the notice. In
addition, both section 553(d)(3) of the
APA and section 1871(e)(1)(B)(ii) of the
Act allow the agency to avoid the 30day delay in effective date where such
delay is contrary to the public interest
and the agency includes in the rule a
statement of the finding and the reasons
for it.
In our view, this correcting document
does not constitute a rulemaking that
would be subject to these requirements.
This document merely corrects
typographical and technical errors in
the CY 2016 PFS final rule with
comment period and the corresponding
addenda posted on the CMS Web site.
The corrections contained in this
document are consistent with, and do
not make substantive changes to, the
policies and payment methodologies
that were adopted subject to notice and
comment procedures in the CY 2016
PFS final rule with comment period. As
a result, the corrections made through
this correcting document are intended
to ensure that the CY 2016 PFS final
rule with comment period accurately
reflects the policies adopted in that rule.
Even if this were a rulemaking to
which the notice and comment and
delayed effective date requirements
applied, we find that there is good cause
to waive such requirements.
Undertaking further notice and
comment procedures to incorporate the
corrections in this document into the
CY 2016 PFS final rule with comment
period or delaying the effective date of
the corrections would be contrary to the
public interest because it is in the
public interest to ensure that the CY
2016 PFS final rule with comment
period accurately reflects our final
policies as soon as possible following
the date they take effect. Further, such
procedures would be unnecessary,
because we are not altering the payment
methodologies or policies, but rather,
we are simply correcting the Federal
Register document to reflect the policies
that we previously proposed, received
comment on, and subsequently
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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 45 / Tuesday, March 8, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
finalized. This correcting document is
intended solely to ensure that the CY
2016 PFS final rule with comment
period accurately reflects these policies.
For these reasons, we believe there is
good cause to waive the requirements
for notice and comment and delay in
effective date.
Correction of Errors
In FR Doc. 2015–28005 of November
16, 2015 (80 FR 70886), make the
following corrections:
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
A. Correction of Errors in the Preamble
1. On page 70894, first column,
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a. First full paragraph, line 9, is
corrected by adding the sentence ‘‘One
commenter suggested that for CY 2016
we apply the same overrides used for
the MP RVU calculations to the PE
calculations.’’.
b. Second full paragraph, lines 21
through 27, the sentence ‘‘Therefore, we
are finalizing the policy as proposed for
CY 2016 but will seek comment on the
proposed CY 2017 PFS rates and
whether or not the incorporation a new
year of utilization data mitigates the
need for service-level overrides.’’ is
corrected to read ‘‘Therefore, we are
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finalizing the policy as proposed for CY
2016 and only apply the overrides that
also apply to the MP RVU calculation in
the development of PE RVUs but will
seek comment on the proposed CY 2017
PFS rates and whether or not the
incorporation of a new year of
utilization data mitigates the need for
service-level overrides.’’.
2. On page 70898, Table 4–
Calculation of PE RVUs under
Methodology for Selected Codes, the
table is corrected to read as follows:
BILLING CODE 4120–01–P
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99213
Office
Step
visit, est
(!)Labor cost (Lab)
(2) Supply cost (Sup)
(3) Equipment cost (Eqp)
(4) Direct cost (Dir)
(5) Direct adjustment (Dir.
Adj.)
(6) Adjusted Labor
93000
ECG,
complet
e,
Nonfacil
ity
Facility
77.52
5.74
5.74
0
5.1
5.1
0
7.34
0.53
0.53
0
1.19
1.19
0
0.17
0.58
7.08
7.08
0
0.09
0.09
0
16.48
85.45
13.36
13.36
0
6.38
6.38
0
0.5957
0.5957
0.5957
0.5957
0.5957
0.5957
0.5957
0.5957
7.93
46.18
3.42
3.42
0
3.04
3.04
0
1.78
4.37
0.32
0.32
0
0.71
0.71
0
0.1
0.35
4.22
4.22
0
0.05
0.05
0
9.81
50.9
7.96
7.96
0
3.8
3.8
0
35.9335
35.9335
35.9335
35.9335
35.9335
35.9335
35.9335
35.9335
0.22
1.29
0.1
0.1
0
0.08
0.08
0
0.05
0.12
0.01
0.01
0
0.02
0.02
0
0
0.01
0.12
0.12
0
0
0
0
0.27
1.42
0.22
0.22
0
0.11
0.11
0
0.97
33.75
0.22
0
0.22
0.17
0
0.17
0.25
0.17
0.29
0.29
0.29
0.29
0.29
0.29
0.75
0.83
0.71
0.71
0.71
0.71
0.71
0.71
14/
(16)*(1
14/
(16)*(17
14/
(16)*(17
14/
(16)*(1
)
7)
14/
(16)*(1
)
0
0.26
0.26
0
Nonfacili
ty
Step
I
Step
I
Step
I
Step
I
Steps
2-4
7102026 Chest
x-ray,
Nonfacil
ity
2.98
Formula
arterial
, single
71020TC
Chest
71020
Chest xray
Nonfacili
ty
13.32
Source
33533
CABG,
AMA
AMA
AMA
-(1)+(2)+
(3)
See
Footnote*
Steps
2-4
~(1)*(5)
~Eqp * Dir
Adj
-Sup* Dir
Adj
(10) Conversion Factor
(CF)
Steps
2-4
Steps
2-4
Steps
2-4
Step
5
(II) Adj. labor cost
converted
Step
5
Adj)/CF
(12) Adj. supply cost
converted
Step
5
~(Sup* Dir
Adj)/CF
Step
5
Step
5
Setup
File
Steps
6,7
Steps
6,7
~(Eqp * Dir
Adi)JCF
~(8)/(10)
PFS
Step
8
See Step 8
lity
Nonfaci
lity
93010
ECG,
report
Nonfaci
lity
tracing
~(7)/(10)
(13) Adj. equipment cost
converted
(14) Adj. direct cost
converted
x-ray,
Nonfaci
93005
ECG,
(7) Adjusted Supplies
(8) Adjusted Equipment
(9) Adjusted Direct
(15) Work RVU
(16) Dir_pet
(17) lnd_pct
(18) Ind. Alloc. Formula
(1st part)
(19) Ind. Alloc.(lst part)
(20) Ind. Alloc. Formula
(2ndpt)
Step
8
Step
8
Step
8
Step
8
Steps
9-11
~(2)*(5)
~(3)*(5)
-(6)+(7)+
(8)
PFS
~(Lab*
Dir
~(6)/(10)
-(11)+(12
)+(13)
Surveys
Surveys
14/
(16)*(17)
See 18
7)
14/
(16)*(17)
7)
6.71
0.54
0.54
7)
(15)
(15)
(15+11)
(11)
(15)
(15+11)
(11)
(15)
0.97
33.75
0.32
0.1
0.22
0.25
0.08
0.17
1.8
40.46
0.85
0.63
0.22
0.52
0.35
0.17
0.3816
0.3816
0.3816
0.3816
0.3816
0.3816
0.3816
0.3816
0.69
15.44
0.33
0.24
0.08
0.2
0.13
0.06
1.07
0.75
0.99
0.99
0.99
0.91
0.91
0.91
0.74
11.55
0.32
0.24
0.08
0.18
0.12
0.06
1.01
12.97
0.54
0.46
0.08
6))
*Other
Adj)
CPT codes and descriptions are copyright 2015 American Medical Association. All Rights Reserved. Applicable FARS/DFARS
apply.
Notes: PE RVUs above (row 27), may not match Addendum B due to rounding.
The use of any particular conversion factor (CF) in table to illustrate the PE Calculation has no effect on the resulting RVUs.
*The direct adj ~[current pe rvos * CF * avg dir pct]/[sum direct inputs]~ [step2]/[step3]; **The indirect adj ~[current pe rvos *
avg ind pctl/fsum ofind allocatorsl~fstep9l/[step!Ol
0.29
0.23
0.06
(22) Indirect Allocator (1st
+2nd)
(23) Indirect Adjustment
OndAdil
(24) Adjusted Indirect
Allocator
Steps
9-11
(25) Ind. Practice Cost
Index(IPCI)
Step
17
(27) Final PE RVU
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)
See
Footnote**
~IndAlloc
Steps
12-16
(26) Adjusted Indirect
See20
-(19)+(21
Step
18
* lndAdj
~Adj.lnd
3. On page 70953, second column,
first partial paragraph, lines 3 through 6,
the sentence ‘‘This approach is
consistent with the application of the
equipment utilization assumption for
16:05 Mar 07, 2016
)
~((14)+(2
~(Adj Dir+
Adj Ind) *
Other Adj
BILLING CODE 4120–01–C
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Alloc *PC!
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advanced diagnostic imaging’’ is
deleted.
4. On page 70971,
a. First column, first full paragraph,
line 15, the phrase ‘‘work RVU of 0.56’’
is corrected to read ‘‘work RVU of 0.67’’.
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b. First column, third full paragraph,
line 12, the CPT code ‘‘76945’’ is
corrected to read ‘‘76948’’.
c. First column, fourth full paragraph,
line 4 the CPT code ‘‘76945’’ is
corrected to read ‘‘76948’’.
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08MRR1
ER08MR16.001
(21) Ind. Alloc.(2nd part)
See Step 8
0.83
14/
(16)*(1
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d. First column, fourth full paragraph,
line 16 the CPT code ‘‘76945’’ is
corrected to read ‘‘76948’’.
5. On page 70992, in Table 13—CY
2016 Actions on Codes with CY 2015
Interim Final RVUs, bottom half of the
page, in columns 3 and 4, the work RVU
‘‘0.38’’ for CPT code 76948 is corrected
to read ‘‘0.67’’.
6. On page 71317,
a. Third column, second full
paragraph, line 2, the phrase ‘‘on this
issue (38, 50, 68, 73, 80)’’ is corrected
to read ‘‘on this issue’’.
b. Third column, second full
paragraph, line 10, the phrase ‘‘Another
commenter (38)’’ is corrected to read
‘‘Another commenter’’.
7. On page 71357,
a. Third column, first partial
paragraph, line 13, the figure ‘‘0.23’’ is
corrected to read ‘‘0.22’’.
Conversion Factor in effect in CY 2015 .....................................
Update Factor .............................................................................
CY 2016 RVU Budget Neutrality Adjustment .............................
CY 2016 Target Recapture Amount ...........................................
CY 2016 Conversion Factor .......................................................
b. Third column, first partial
paragraph, line 24, the figure ‘‘–0.77’’ is
corrected to read ‘‘¥0.78.’’
c. Third column, first full paragraph,
line 9, the figure ‘‘$35.8279’’ is
corrected to read ‘‘$35.8043’’.
d. Third column, first full paragraph,
line 17, the figure ‘‘$22.3309’’ is
corrected to read ‘‘$21.9935’’.
e. Table 60—Calculation of the CY
2016 PFS Conversion Factor, the table is
corrected to read as follows:
....................................................................................................
0.5 percent (1.005) ....................................................................
¥0.076 percent (0.99924) .........................................................
¥0.78 percent (0.9922) .............................................................
....................................................................................................
35.9335
........................
........................
........................
35.8043
....................................................................................................
0.5 percent (1.005) ....................................................................
¥0.076 percent (0.99924) .........................................................
¥2.372 percent (0.97628) .........................................................
22.6093
........................
........................
........................
¥0.78 percent (0.9922) .............................................................
¥0.78 percent (0.9922) .............................................................
....................................................................................................
........................
........................
21.9935
f. Table 61—Calculation of the CY
2016 Anesthesia Conversion, the table is
corrected to read as follows:
CY 2015 National Average Anesthesia Conversion Factor .......
Update Factor .............................................................................
CY 2016 RVU Budget Neutrality Adjustment .............................
CY 2016 Anesthesia Fee Schedule Practice Expense Adjustment.
CY 2016 Anesthesia Fee Schedule Malpractice Adjustment .....
CY 2016 Target Recapture Amount ...........................................
CY 2016 Conversion Factor .......................................................
8. On pages 71358 through 71359,
Table 62—CY 2016 PFS Estimated
Impact On Total Allowed Charges By
Specialty, the table is corrected to read
as follows:
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
(F)
Specialty
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
(A)
Allowed
charges
(mil)
Impact of work
RVU changes
(percent)
Impact of PE
RVU changes
(percent)
Impact of MP
RVU changes
(percent)
Combined
impact **
(percent)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
¥1
0
0
0
0
0
0
¥2
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
¥1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
¥1
0
0
0
0
0
8
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
¥2
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
¥1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
TOTAL ..................................................................................
ALLERGY/IMMUNOLOGY ...................................................
ANESTHESIOLOGY ............................................................
AUDIOLOGIST .....................................................................
CARDIAC SURGERY ..........................................................
CARDIOLOGY .....................................................................
CHIROPRACTOR ................................................................
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST ...............................................
CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER .............................................
COLON AND RECTAL SURGERY .....................................
CRITICAL CARE ..................................................................
DERMATOLOGY .................................................................
DIAGNOSTIC TESTING FACILITY .....................................
EMERGENCY MEDICINE ...................................................
ENDOCRINOLOGY .............................................................
FAMILY PRACTICE .............................................................
GASTROENTEROLOGY .....................................................
GENERAL PRACTICE .........................................................
GENERAL SURGERY .........................................................
GERIATRICS .......................................................................
HAND SURGERY ................................................................
HEMATOLOGY/ONCOLOGY ..............................................
INDEPENDENT LABORATORY ..........................................
INFECTIOUS DISEASE .......................................................
INTERNAL MEDICINE .........................................................
INTERVENTIONAL PAIN MGMT ........................................
INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY .......................................
MULTISPECIALTY CLINIC/OTHER PHYS .........................
NEPHROLOGY ....................................................................
VerDate Sep<11>2014
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$89,020
221
1,970
61
343
6,498
789
720
558
161
296
3,217
725
3,120
454
6,089
1,843
478
2,210
216
169
1,788
834
660
11,058
720
298
96
2,199
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
E:\FR\FM\08MRR1.SGM
08MRR1
0
1
¥2
0
0
0
0
0
0
¥1
0
1
0
0
0
0
¥4
0
0
0
0
0
9
0
0
0
1
0
0
12029
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 45 / Tuesday, March 8, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
(F)
Specialty
Allowed
charges
(mil)
Impact of work
RVU changes
(percent)
Impact of PE
RVU changes
(percent)
Impact of MP
RVU changes
(percent)
Combined
impact **
(percent)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
¥2
¥1
0
0
0
0
¥1
0
0
0
¥2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
NEUROLOGY ......................................................................
NEUROSURGERY ..............................................................
NUCLEAR MEDICINE .........................................................
NURSE ANES/ANES ASST ................................................
NURSE PRACTITIONER .....................................................
OBSTETRICS/GYNECOLOGY ............................................
OPHTHALMOLOGY ............................................................
OPTOMETRY ......................................................................
ORAL/MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY ...................................
ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY ..................................................
OTHER .................................................................................
OTOLARNGOLOGY ............................................................
PATHOLOGY .......................................................................
PEDIATRICS ........................................................................
PHYSICAL MEDICINE .........................................................
PHYSICAL/OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ............................
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT .....................................................
PLASTIC SURGERY ...........................................................
PODIATRY ...........................................................................
PORTABLE X–RAY SUPPLIER ..........................................
PSYCHIATRY ......................................................................
PULMONARY DISEASE ......................................................
RADIATION ONCOLOGY ....................................................
RADIATION THERAPY CENTERS .....................................
RADIOLOGY ........................................................................
RHEUMATOLOGY ...............................................................
THORACIC SURGERY .......................................................
UROLOGY ...........................................................................
VASCULAR SURGERY .......................................................
1,524
776
46
1,187
2,551
669
5,506
1,178
47
3,672
25
1,197
1,330
59
1,035
3,102
1,728
376
1,999
106
1,317
1,780
1,776
52
4,494
536
350
1,796
1,019
0
0
¥1
¥2
0
0
¥1
0
0
0
0
0
8
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
¥2
¥1
0
0
0
0
¥1
** Column F may not equal the sum of columns C, D, and E due to rounding.
9. On pages 71359 through 71360,
Table 63—Impact on CY 2016 Payment
for Selected Procedures, the table is
corrected to read as follows:
Facility
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
CPT/HCPCS 1
11721
17000
27130
27244
27447
33533
35301
43239
66821
66984
67210
71010
71010
77056
77056
77057
77057
77427
88305
90935
92012
92014
93000
93010
93015
93307
93458
98941
99203
................
................
................
................
................
................
................
................
................
................
................
................
................
................
................
................
................
................
................
................
................
................
................
................
................
................
................
................
................
VerDate Sep<11>2014
MOD
Short descriptor
............
............
............
............
............
............
............
............
............
............
............
............
26
............
26
............
26
............
26
............
............
............
............
............
............
26
26
............
............
Debride nail 6 or more .............................................
Destruct premalg lesion ...........................................
Total hip arthroplasty ...............................................
Treat thigh fracture ..................................................
Total knee arthroplasty ............................................
Cabg arterial single ..................................................
Rechanneling of artery ............................................
Egd biopsy single/multiple .......................................
After cataract laser surgery .....................................
Cataract surg w/iol 1 stage ......................................
Treatment of retinal lesion .......................................
Chest x-ray 1 view frontal ........................................
Chest x-ray 1 view frontal ........................................
Mammogram both breasts .......................................
Mammogram both breasts .......................................
Mammogram screening ...........................................
Mammogram screening ...........................................
Radiation tx management x5 ...................................
Tissue exam by pathologist .....................................
Hemodialysis one evaluation ...................................
Eye exam establish patient .....................................
Eye exam&tx estab pt 1/>vst ..................................
Electrocardiogram complete ....................................
Electrocardiogram report .........................................
Cardiovascular stress test .......................................
Tte w/o doppler complete ........................................
L hrt artery/ventricle angio .......................................
Chiropract manj 3–4 regions ...................................
Office/outpatient visit new ........................................
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CY
2015 2
Fmt 4700
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CY
2016 3
$25.15
53.90
1,407.87
1,277.80
1,407.52
1,952.63
1,203.41
154.15
316.21
650.40
508.82
NA
9.34
NA
44.56
NA
35.93
187.57
39.17
73.66
53.18
80.85
NA
8.62
NA
45.99
323.76
35.21
77.98
$25.42
54.42
1,400.66
1,271.05
1,400.31
1,947.04
1,199.44
151.45
315.44
648.42
507.35
NA
9.31
NA
44.40
NA
35.80
187.61
39.74
73.40
53.35
80.92
NA
8.59
NA
45.83
323.31
35.09
77.70
E:\FR\FM\08MRR1.SGM
Non facility
%
Change
CY
2015 2
CY
2016 3
%
Change
1
1
¥1
¥1
¥1
0
0
¥2
0
0
0
NA
0
NA
0
NA
0
0
1
0
0
0
NA
0
NA
0
0
0
0
$45.28
67.20
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
412.52
334.90
NA
526.79
22.64
9.34
116.42
44.56
83.01
35.93
187.57
39.17
NA
86.24
124.69
17.25
8.62
77.26
45.99
323.76
41.32
109.60
$45.47
67.67
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
403.87
334.05
NA
524.89
22.56
9.31
116.01
44.40
82.71
35.80
187.61
39.74
NA
85.93
124.60
17.19
8.59
76.98
45.83
323.31
41.17
108.85
0
1
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
¥2
0
NA
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
NA
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
¥1
08MRR1
12030
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 45 / Tuesday, March 8, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
Facility
CPT/HCPCS 1
MOD
Short descriptor
99213 ................
99214 ................
99222 ................
99223 ................
99231 ................
99232 ................
99233 ................
99236 ................
99239 ................
99283 ................
99284 ................
99291 ................
99292 ................
99348 ................
99350 ................
G0008 ...............
............
............
............
............
............
............
............
............
............
............
............
............
............
............
............
............
Office/outpatient visit est .........................................
Office/outpatient visit est .........................................
Initial hospital care ...................................................
Initial hospital care ...................................................
Subsequent hospital care ........................................
Subsequent hospital care ........................................
Subsequent hospital care ........................................
Observ/hosp same date ..........................................
Hospital discharge day ............................................
Emergency dept visit ...............................................
Emergency dept visit ...............................................
Critical care first hour ..............................................
Critical care addl 30 min ..........................................
Home visit est patient ..............................................
Home visit est patient ..............................................
Immunization admin .................................................
CY
2015 2
51.38
79.41
139.06
205.90
39.53
73.30
105.64
220.99
108.88
62.88
119.66
227.46
113.55
NA
NA
NA
CY
2016 3
51.56
79.13
138.20
204.44
39.74
72.68
104.91
219.48
108.13
62.66
118.87
225.93
113.14
NA
NA
NA
Non facility
%
Change
CY
2015 2
CY
2016 3
%
Change
0
0
¥1
¥1
1
¥1
¥1
¥1
¥1
0
¥1
¥1
0
NA
NA
NA
73.30
108.88
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
279.20
124.33
84.80
178.95
25.51
73.40
108.13
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
277.48
123.88
84.86
179.38
25.42
0
¥1
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
¥1
0
0
0
0
1 CPT
codes and descriptions are copyright 2016 American Medical Association. All Rights Reserved. Applicable FARS/DFARS apply.
based on the July–December 2015 conversion factor of 35.9335.
3 Payments based on the 2016 conversion factor of $35.8043.
2 Payments
10. On page 71369,
a. Second column, fifth paragraph,
line 20, the figure ‘‘$109.28’’ is
corrected to read ‘‘108.85’’.
b. Second column, fifth paragraph,
line 23, the figure ‘‘$21.86’’ is corrected
to read ‘‘21.77’’.
List of Subjects in 42 CFR Part 411
Kidney diseases, Medicare, Physician
referral, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
Accordingly, 42 CFR chapter IV is
corrected by making the following
correcting amendments to part 411:
PART 411—EXCLUSIONS FROM
MEDICARE AND LIMITATIONS ON
MEDICARE PAYMENT
Authority: Secs. 1102, 1860D–1 through
1860D–42, 1871, and 1877 of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1302, 1395w–101
through 1395w–152, 1395hh, and 1395nn).
2. Section 411.357 is amended:
a. In paragraph (d)(1)(iv) by removing
the phrase ‘‘is for at least 1 year’’ and
adding in its place the phrase ‘‘is at least
1 year’’.
■ b. In paragraph (x)(1)(vi)(A) by
removing the phrase ‘‘The nonphysician
practitioner has a compensation
arrangement with’’ and adding in its
place the phrase ‘‘The nonphysician
practitioner has a compensation
arrangement directly with’’.
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
Dated: February 29, 2016.
Wilma Robinson,
Deputy Executive, Secretary to the
Department, Department of Health and
Human Services.
[FR Doc. 2016–05054 Filed 3–7–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4120–01–P
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National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
50 CFR Part 648
[Docket No. 140117052–4402–02]
RIN 0648–XE449
Fisheries of the Northeastern United
States; Summer Flounder Fishery;
Quota Transfer
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Temporary rule; quota transfer.
AGENCY:
NMFS announces that the
State of North Carolina is transferring
portions of its 2016 commercial summer
flounder quota to the States of New
Jersey and Rhode Island, and the
Commonwealths of Virginia and
Massachusetts. These quota adjustments
are necessary to comply with the
Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea
Bass Fishery Management Plan quota
transfer provision. This announcement
informs the public of the revised
commercial quota for each state
involved.
DATES: Effective March 7, 2016, through
December 31, 2016.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Elizabeth Scheimer, Fishery
Management Specialist, (978) 281–9236.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Regulations governing the summer
flounder fishery are in 50 CFR 648.100
through 50 CFR 648.110. The
regulations require annual specification
of a commercial quota that is
SUMMARY:
1. The authority citation for part 411
continues to read as follows:
■
■
■
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
PO 00000
Frm 00030
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
apportioned among the coastal states
from Maine through North Carolina. The
process to set the annual commercial
quota and the percent allocated to each
state are described in § 648.102.
The final rule implementing
Amendment 5 to the Summer Flounder
Fishery Management Plan, as published
in the Federal Register on December 17,
1993 (58 FR 65936), provided a
mechanism for transferring summer
flounder commercial quota from one
state to another. Two or more states,
under mutual agreement and with the
concurrence of the NMFS Greater
Atlantic Regional Administrator, can
transfer or combine summer flounder
commercial quota under § 648.102(c)(2).
The Regional Administrator is required
to consider the criteria in
§ 648.102(c)(2)(i)(A) through (C) in the
evaluation of requests for quota transfers
or combinations.
North Carolina is transferring a total
of 64,978 lb (29,473 kg) of summer
flounder commercial quota to the
following states: New Jersey, 13,200 lb
(5,987 kg); Massachusetts, 9,805 lb
(4,447 kg); Virginia, 30,573 lb (13,868
kg); and Rhode Island, 11,400 lb (5,171
kg). These transfers were requested by
the State of North Carolina to repay
landings by North Carolina permitted
vessels that landed in these other states
under safe harbor agreements.
The revised summer flounder quotas
for calendar year 2016 are: North
Carolina, 2,164,731 lb (981,905 kg);
Virginia, 1,762,354 lb (799,390 kg);
Rhode Island, 1,285,491 lb (583,089 kg);
Massachusetts, 563,902 lb (255,782 kg);
and New Jersey, 1,371,944 lb (622,303
kg), based on the quotas published in
the 2016–2018 Summer Flounder, Scup
E:\FR\FM\08MRR1.SGM
08MRR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 45 (Tuesday, March 8, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 12024-12030]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-05054]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
42 CFR Parts 405, 410, 411, 414, 425, and 495
[CMS-1631-F2]
RIN 0938-AS40
Medicare Program; Revisions to Payment Policies Under the
Physician Fee Schedule and Other Revisions to Part B for CY 2016;
Corrections
AGENCY: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), HHS.
ACTION: Final rule; correcting amendment.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This document corrects technical and typographical errors that
appeared in the final rule with comment period published in the
November 16, 2015 Federal Register (80 FR 70886 through 71386) entitled
``Medicare Program; Revisions to Payment Policies Under the Physician
Fee Schedule and Other Revisions to Part B for CY 2016.''
DATES: Effective date: This correcting document is effective March 7,
2016.
Applicability date: The corrections indicated in this document are
applicable beginning January 1, 2016.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lisa Ohrin Wilson (410) 786-8852, or
Matthew Edgar (410) 786-0698, for issues related to physician self-
referral updates. Jessica Bruton, (410) 786-5991 for all other issues.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
In FR Doc. 2015-28005 (80 FR 70886 through 71386), the final rule
entitled ``Medicare Program; Revisions to Payment Policies Under the
Physician Fee Schedule and Other Revisions to Part B for CY 2016''
(hereinafter referred to as the CY 2016 PFS final rule with comment
period), there were a number of technical and typographical errors that
are identified and corrected in section IV., the Correction of Errors.
The effective date for the rule was January 1, 2016, except for the
definition of ``ownership or investment interest'' in Sec. 411.362(a),
which has an effective date of January 1, 2017. These corrections are
applicable as of January 1, 2016. We note that Addenda B and C to the
CY 2016 PFS final rule with comment period as corrected by this
correcting amendment are available on the CMS Web site at https://www.cms.gov//PhysicianFeeSched/.
II. Summary of Errors
A. Summary of Errors in the Preamble
On page 70894, we inadvertently omitted a sentence from the first
comment summary regarding applying the same overrides used for the MP
RVU calculations to the PE calculations.
On page 70894, we inadvertently omitted a clause from the response
summary regarding the overrides that also apply to the MP RVU
calculation in the development of PE RVUs.
On page 70898, due to data errors made in the ratesetting process,
many of the values contained in Table 4: Calculation of PE RVUs under
Methodology for Selected Codes, are incorrect.
On page 70953, we inadvertently included language regarding the
application of the equipment utilization assumption.
On page 70971,
a. Due to a typographical error, the work RVU for CPT code 76945
was listed incorrectly. As a result, the work RVU for CPT code 76948
was also inadvertently listed incorrectly.
b. Due to a typographical error, we inadvertently referred to CPT
code 76948 rather than CPT code 76945.
On page 70992, due to a typographical error in Table 13--CY 2016
Actions on Codes with CY 2015 Interim Final RVUs, the CY 2016 work RVU
for CPT code 76948 was incorrectly displayed.
On page 71317, we inadvertently included language in our comment
discussion on the issue regarding compensation arrangements.
On page 71357,
a. Due to data errors, we incorrectly stated the estimated CY 2016
net reduction in expenditures.
b. Due to data errors, we incorrectly stated the reduction to the
conversion factor.
c. Due to data errors, we incorrectly stated the CY 2016 PFS
conversion factors. As a result, many of the values in Table 60--
Calculation of the CY 2016 PFS Conversion Factor, are incorrect.
d. Due to data errors, we incorrectly stated the CY 2016 PFS
anesthesia conversion factors. As a result, many of the values in Table
61--Calculation of the CY 2016 PFS Anesthesia Conversion Factor, are
incorrect.
On pages 71358 through 71359, due to data errors, many of the
values in Table 62--CY 2016 PFS Estimated Impact On Total Allowed
Charges By Specialty, are incorrect.
On pages 71359 through 71360, due to data errors, many of the
values in Table 63-- Impact on CY 2016 Payment for Selected Procedures,
are incorrect.
On page 71369,
a. Due to data errors, we incorrectly stated the CY 2016 national
payment amount in the nonfacility setting for CPT code 99203.
b. Due to data errors, we incorrectly stated the CY 2016 proposed
beneficiary coinsurance for CPT code 99203.
B. Summary of Errors in Regulation Text
On page 71375 of the CY 2016 PFS final rule with comment period, we
made a typographical error in Sec. 411.357(d)(1)(iv). In this
paragraph, we inadvertently included the word ``for''.
On page 71377 of the CY 2016 PFS final rule with comment period, we
made a typographical error in Sec. 411.357(x)(1)(vi)(A). In this
paragraph, we inadvertently omitted the word ``directly''.
C. Summary and Correction of Errors in the Addenda on the CMS Web site
Due to the errors identified and summarized in section II.A and B
of this document, we are correcting errors in the work, PE or MP RVUs
(or combinations of these RVUs) in Addendum B: CY 2016 Relative Value
Units (RVUs) And Related Information Used In Determining Final Medicare
Payments and Addendum C: CY 2016
[[Page 12025]]
Interim Final Relative Value Units (RVUs). We note that corrections to
the RVUs for codes with identified errors affect additional codes due
to the budget neutrality and relativity of the PFS. These errors are
corrected in the revised Addenda B and C available on the CMS Web site
at https://www.cms.gov//PhysicianFeeSched/.
In addition to the errors identified in section II.A. of this
document, the following errors occur in the addenda.
Due to a technical error in the development of PE RVUs, the PE RVUS
displayed in Addenda B and C were incorrect. In constructing the
algorithm used to adjust specialty-specific volume for individual codes
as described on page 70895 of the CY 2016 PFS final rule, claims
volumes for codes billed with payment modifiers with different
adjustments for payment and time were erroneously adjusted based on the
time-based adjustment factor, not the payment-based factor. As a
result, payment-adjusted volume associated with those modifiers for
which the time-based adjustment factor is different from the payment-
based adjustment factor was inaccurate and has been corrected. The
direct impact of the errors were limited to the practice expense for
services frequently reported with payment modifiers with different
adjustments for payment and time. However, the PE RVUs for many more
codes may have been affected indirectly due to BN adjustments. The two
specialties that report services paid under the anesthesia fee schedule
were the only specialties significantly affected by the change. The PE
RVUs that result from the correction of this error are reflected in the
corrected Addendum B (and Addendum C, if applicable) available on the
CMS Web site at https://www.cms.gov//PhysicianFeeSched/.
Due to an error in the algorithm that we used to identify services
that were subject to the phase-in of significant RVU reductions, CPT
codes 67108, 67113, 67227 and 67228 were not included on the list of
codes subject to the phase-in. These errors are corrected in the
revised Codes Subject to Phase-in file available on the CMS Web site at
https://www.cms.gov//PhysicianFeeSched/, and the resulting changes to
the RVUs are reflected in the corrected Addenda B and C, available on
the CMS Web site at https://www.cms.gov//PhysicianFeeSched/.
Due to a data error, the useful life for the equipment item
``FibroScan'' (ER101) was incorrect in the direct PE input database.
This error is corrected in the revised Direct PE Input Database
available on the CMS Web site at https://www.cms.gov//PhysicianFeeSched/
. As a result of this error being corrected, changes to PE RVUs are
reflected in the corrected Addenda B and C, available on the CMS Web
site at https://www.cms.gov//PhysicianFeeSched/.
Due to a data error, the incorrect CY 2016 global periods were
included in Addendum B (and Addendum C, if applicable) for the
following CPT codes: 20240, 43210, 61650, 67227, 67228, 73060, and
73560. The corrected CY 2016 global periods for these codes are
reflected in the corrected Addendum B (and Addendum C, if applicable)
available on the CMS Web site at https://www.cms.gov//PhysicianFeeSched/
.
Due to an inadvertent error, the CY 2016 work RVUs for HCPCS codes
G0296 and G0297 were incorrectly displayed in Addendum B. The correct
CY 2016 work RVUS for these codes are reflected in the corrected
Addendum B available on the CMS Web site at https://www.cms.gov//PhysicianFeeSched/.
Due to a technical error, the clinical labor times associated with
CPT codes 31654, 88333 and 99416 were inadvertently omitted from the
direct PE input database. This error is corrected in the revised direct
PE input database available on the CMS Web site at https://www.cms.gov//PhysicianFeeSched/. The PE RVUs that result from the correction of this
error are reflected in the corrected Addendum B available on the CMS
Web site at https://www.cms.gov//PhysicianFeeSched/.
Due to a data input omission, the RVUs that reflect the appropriate
payment rates for the treatment of intensive cardiac rehabilitation, as
specified under section 1848(b)(5) of the Social Security Act (the
Act), were not included in Addendum B. The appropriate RVUs for
intensive cardiac rehabilitation are reflected in the corrected
Addendum B available on the CMS Web site at https://www.cms.gov//PhysicianFeeSched/.
III. Waiver of Proposed Rulemaking
Under 5 U.S.C. 553(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA),
the agency is required to publish a notice of the proposed rule in the
Federal Register before the provisions of a rule take effect.
Similarly, section 1871(b)(1) of the Act requires the Secretary to
provide for notice of the proposed rule in the Federal Register and
provide a period of not less than 60 days for public comment. In
addition, section 553(d) of the APA, and section 1871(e)(1)(B)(i) of
the Act mandate a 30-day delay in effective date after issuance or
publication of a rule. Sections 553(b)(B) and 553(d)(3) of the APA
provide for exceptions from the APA notice and comment, and delay in
effective date requirements; similarly, sections 1871(b)(2)(C) and
1871(e)(1)(B)(ii) of the Act provide exceptions from the notice and
comment, and delay in effective date requirements of the Act. Section
553(b)(B) of the APA and section 1871(b)(2)(C) of the Act authorize an
agency to dispense with normal notice and comment rulemaking procedures
for good cause if the agency makes a finding that the notice and
comment process is impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the
public interest; and includes a statement of the finding and the
reasons for it in the notice. In addition, both section 553(d)(3) of
the APA and section 1871(e)(1)(B)(ii) of the Act allow the agency to
avoid the 30-day delay in effective date where such delay is contrary
to the public interest and the agency includes in the rule a statement
of the finding and the reasons for it.
In our view, this correcting document does not constitute a
rulemaking that would be subject to these requirements. This document
merely corrects typographical and technical errors in the CY 2016 PFS
final rule with comment period and the corresponding addenda posted on
the CMS Web site. The corrections contained in this document are
consistent with, and do not make substantive changes to, the policies
and payment methodologies that were adopted subject to notice and
comment procedures in the CY 2016 PFS final rule with comment period.
As a result, the corrections made through this correcting document are
intended to ensure that the CY 2016 PFS final rule with comment period
accurately reflects the policies adopted in that rule.
Even if this were a rulemaking to which the notice and comment and
delayed effective date requirements applied, we find that there is good
cause to waive such requirements. Undertaking further notice and
comment procedures to incorporate the corrections in this document into
the CY 2016 PFS final rule with comment period or delaying the
effective date of the corrections would be contrary to the public
interest because it is in the public interest to ensure that the CY
2016 PFS final rule with comment period accurately reflects our final
policies as soon as possible following the date they take effect.
Further, such procedures would be unnecessary, because we are not
altering the payment methodologies or policies, but rather, we are
simply correcting the Federal Register document to reflect the policies
that we previously proposed, received comment on, and subsequently
[[Page 12026]]
finalized. This correcting document is intended solely to ensure that
the CY 2016 PFS final rule with comment period accurately reflects
these policies. For these reasons, we believe there is good cause to
waive the requirements for notice and comment and delay in effective
date.
Correction of Errors
In FR Doc. 2015-28005 of November 16, 2015 (80 FR 70886), make the
following corrections:
A. Correction of Errors in the Preamble
1. On page 70894, first column,
a. First full paragraph, line 9, is corrected by adding the
sentence ``One commenter suggested that for CY 2016 we apply the same
overrides used for the MP RVU calculations to the PE calculations.''.
b. Second full paragraph, lines 21 through 27, the sentence
``Therefore, we are finalizing the policy as proposed for CY 2016 but
will seek comment on the proposed CY 2017 PFS rates and whether or not
the incorporation a new year of utilization data mitigates the need for
service-level overrides.'' is corrected to read ``Therefore, we are
finalizing the policy as proposed for CY 2016 and only apply the
overrides that also apply to the MP RVU calculation in the development
of PE RVUs but will seek comment on the proposed CY 2017 PFS rates and
whether or not the incorporation of a new year of utilization data
mitigates the need for service-level overrides.''.
2. On page 70898, Table 4-Calculation of PE RVUs under Methodology
for Selected Codes, the table is corrected to read as follows:
BILLING CODE 4120-01-P
[[Page 12027]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR08MR16.001
BILLING CODE 4120-01-C
3. On page 70953, second column, first partial paragraph, lines 3
through 6, the sentence ``This approach is consistent with the
application of the equipment utilization assumption for advanced
diagnostic imaging'' is deleted.
4. On page 70971,
a. First column, first full paragraph, line 15, the phrase ``work
RVU of 0.56'' is corrected to read ``work RVU of 0.67''.
b. First column, third full paragraph, line 12, the CPT code
``76945'' is corrected to read ``76948''.
c. First column, fourth full paragraph, line 4 the CPT code
``76945'' is corrected to read ``76948''.
[[Page 12028]]
d. First column, fourth full paragraph, line 16 the CPT code
``76945'' is corrected to read ``76948''.
5. On page 70992, in Table 13--CY 2016 Actions on Codes with CY
2015 Interim Final RVUs, bottom half of the page, in columns 3 and 4,
the work RVU ``0.38'' for CPT code 76948 is corrected to read ``0.67''.
6. On page 71317,
a. Third column, second full paragraph, line 2, the phrase ``on
this issue (38, 50, 68, 73, 80)'' is corrected to read ``on this
issue''.
b. Third column, second full paragraph, line 10, the phrase
``Another commenter (38)'' is corrected to read ``Another commenter''.
7. On page 71357,
a. Third column, first partial paragraph, line 13, the figure
``0.23'' is corrected to read ``0.22''.
b. Third column, first partial paragraph, line 24, the figure ``-
0.77'' is corrected to read ``-0.78.''
c. Third column, first full paragraph, line 9, the figure
``$35.8279'' is corrected to read ``$35.8043''.
d. Third column, first full paragraph, line 17, the figure
``$22.3309'' is corrected to read ``$21.9935''.
e. Table 60--Calculation of the CY 2016 PFS Conversion Factor, the
table is corrected to read as follows:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Conversion Factor in effect in ....................... 35.9335
CY 2015.
Update Factor.................. 0.5 percent (1.005).... ..............
CY 2016 RVU Budget Neutrality -0.076 percent ..............
Adjustment. (0.99924).
CY 2016 Target Recapture Amount -0.78 percent (0.9922). ..............
CY 2016 Conversion Factor...... ....................... 35.8043
------------------------------------------------------------------------
f. Table 61--Calculation of the CY 2016 Anesthesia Conversion, the
table is corrected to read as follows:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CY 2015 National Average ....................... 22.6093
Anesthesia Conversion Factor.
Update Factor.................. 0.5 percent (1.005).... ..............
CY 2016 RVU Budget Neutrality -0.076 percent ..............
Adjustment. (0.99924).
CY 2016 Anesthesia Fee Schedule -2.372 percent ..............
Practice Expense Adjustment. (0.97628).
CY 2016 Anesthesia Fee Schedule -0.78 percent (0.9922). ..............
Malpractice Adjustment.
CY 2016 Target Recapture Amount -0.78 percent (0.9922). ..............
CY 2016 Conversion Factor...... ....................... 21.9935
------------------------------------------------------------------------
8. On pages 71358 through 71359, Table 62--CY 2016 PFS Estimated
Impact On Total Allowed Charges By Specialty, the table is corrected to
read as follows:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F)
Specialty Allowed Impact of work Impact of PE Impact of MP Combined
charges RVU changes RVU changes RVU changes impact **
(mil) (percent) (percent) (percent) (percent)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL........................... $89,020 0 0 0 0
ALLERGY/IMMUNOLOGY.............. 221 0 1 0 1
ANESTHESIOLOGY.................. 1,970 0 0 -2 -2
AUDIOLOGIST..................... 61 0 -1 1 0
CARDIAC SURGERY................. 343 0 0 0 0
CARDIOLOGY...................... 6,498 0 0 0 0
CHIROPRACTOR.................... 789 0 0 0 0
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST........... 720 0 0 0 0
CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER.......... 558 0 0 0 0
COLON AND RECTAL SURGERY........ 161 -1 0 0 -1
CRITICAL CARE................... 296 0 0 0 0
DERMATOLOGY..................... 3,217 0 0 0 1
DIAGNOSTIC TESTING FACILITY..... 725 0 0 0 0
EMERGENCY MEDICINE.............. 3,120 0 0 0 0
ENDOCRINOLOGY................... 454 0 0 0 0
FAMILY PRACTICE................. 6,089 0 0 0 0
GASTROENTEROLOGY................ 1,843 -2 -1 -1 -4
GENERAL PRACTICE................ 478 0 0 0 0
GENERAL SURGERY................. 2,210 0 0 0 0
GERIATRICS...................... 216 0 0 0 0
HAND SURGERY.................... 169 0 0 0 0
HEMATOLOGY/ONCOLOGY............. 1,788 0 0 0 0
INDEPENDENT LABORATORY.......... 834 1 8 0 9
INFECTIOUS DISEASE.............. 660 0 0 0 0
INTERNAL MEDICINE............... 11,058 0 0 0 0
INTERVENTIONAL PAIN MGMT........ 720 0 0 0 0
INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY........ 298 0 0 0 1
MULTISPECIALTY CLINIC/OTHER PHYS 96 0 0 0 0
NEPHROLOGY...................... 2,199 0 0 0 0
[[Page 12029]]
NEUROLOGY....................... 1,524 0 0 0 0
NEUROSURGERY.................... 776 0 0 0 0
NUCLEAR MEDICINE................ 46 0 0 0 -1
NURSE ANES/ANES ASST............ 1,187 0 0 -2 -2
NURSE PRACTITIONER.............. 2,551 0 0 0 0
OBSTETRICS/GYNECOLOGY........... 669 0 0 0 0
OPHTHALMOLOGY................... 5,506 0 0 0 -1
OPTOMETRY....................... 1,178 0 0 0 0
ORAL/MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY...... 47 0 0 0 0
ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY.............. 3,672 0 0 0 0
OTHER........................... 25 0 0 0 0
OTOLARNGOLOGY................... 1,197 0 0 0 0
PATHOLOGY....................... 1,330 4 4 0 8
PEDIATRICS...................... 59 0 0 0 0
PHYSICAL MEDICINE............... 1,035 0 0 0 0
PHYSICAL/OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY... 3,102 0 0 0 0
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT............. 1,728 0 0 0 0
PLASTIC SURGERY................. 376 0 0 0 0
PODIATRY........................ 1,999 0 0 0 0
PORTABLE X-RAY SUPPLIER......... 106 0 1 0 1
PSYCHIATRY...................... 1,317 0 0 0 0
PULMONARY DISEASE............... 1,780 0 0 0 0
RADIATION ONCOLOGY.............. 1,776 0 -2 0 -2
RADIATION THERAPY CENTERS....... 52 0 -1 0 -1
RADIOLOGY....................... 4,494 0 0 0 0
RHEUMATOLOGY.................... 536 0 0 0 0
THORACIC SURGERY................ 350 0 0 0 0
UROLOGY......................... 1,796 0 0 0 0
VASCULAR SURGERY................ 1,019 0 -1 0 -1
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
** Column F may not equal the sum of columns C, D, and E due to rounding.
9. On pages 71359 through 71360, Table 63--Impact on CY 2016
Payment for Selected Procedures, the table is corrected to read as
follows:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Facility Non facility
---------------------------------------------------------
CPT/HCPCS \1\ MOD Short descriptor CY 2015 CY 2016 % CY 2015 CY 2016 %
\2\ \3\ Change \2\ \3\ Change
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11721................... ....... Debride nail 6 or $25.15 $25.42 1 $45.28 $45.47 0
more.
17000................... ....... Destruct premalg 53.90 54.42 1 67.20 67.67 1
lesion.
27130................... ....... Total hip 1,407.87 1,400.66 -1 NA NA NA
arthroplasty.
27244................... ....... Treat thigh 1,277.80 1,271.05 -1 NA NA NA
fracture.
27447................... ....... Total knee 1,407.52 1,400.31 -1 NA NA NA
arthroplasty.
33533................... ....... Cabg arterial 1,952.63 1,947.04 0 NA NA NA
single.
35301................... ....... Rechanneling of 1,203.41 1,199.44 0 NA NA NA
artery.
43239................... ....... Egd biopsy single/ 154.15 151.45 -2 412.52 403.87 -2
multiple.
66821................... ....... After cataract 316.21 315.44 0 334.90 334.05 0
laser surgery.
66984................... ....... Cataract surg w/iol 650.40 648.42 0 NA NA NA
1 stage.
67210................... ....... Treatment of 508.82 507.35 0 526.79 524.89 0
retinal lesion.
71010................... ....... Chest x-ray 1 view NA NA NA 22.64 22.56 0
frontal.
71010................... 26 Chest x-ray 1 view 9.34 9.31 0 9.34 9.31 0
frontal.
77056................... ....... Mammogram both NA NA NA 116.42 116.01 0
breasts.
77056................... 26 Mammogram both 44.56 44.40 0 44.56 44.40 0
breasts.
77057................... ....... Mammogram screening NA NA NA 83.01 82.71 0
77057................... 26 Mammogram screening 35.93 35.80 0 35.93 35.80 0
77427................... ....... Radiation tx 187.57 187.61 0 187.57 187.61 0
management x5.
88305................... 26 Tissue exam by 39.17 39.74 1 39.17 39.74 1
pathologist.
90935................... ....... Hemodialysis one 73.66 73.40 0 NA NA NA
evaluation.
92012................... ....... Eye exam establish 53.18 53.35 0 86.24 85.93 0
patient.
92014................... ....... Eye exam&tx estab 80.85 80.92 0 124.69 124.60 0
pt 1/>vst.
93000................... ....... Electrocardiogram NA NA NA 17.25 17.19 0
complete.
93010................... ....... Electrocardiogram 8.62 8.59 0 8.62 8.59 0
report.
93015................... ....... Cardiovascular NA NA NA 77.26 76.98 0
stress test.
93307................... 26 Tte w/o doppler 45.99 45.83 0 45.99 45.83 0
complete.
93458................... 26 L hrt artery/ 323.76 323.31 0 323.76 323.31 0
ventricle angio.
98941................... ....... Chiropract manj 3-4 35.21 35.09 0 41.32 41.17 0
regions.
99203................... ....... Office/outpatient 77.98 77.70 0 109.60 108.85 -1
visit new.
[[Page 12030]]
99213................... ....... Office/outpatient 51.38 51.56 0 73.30 73.40 0
visit est.
99214................... ....... Office/outpatient 79.41 79.13 0 108.88 108.13 -1
visit est.
99222................... ....... Initial hospital 139.06 138.20 -1 NA NA NA
care.
99223................... ....... Initial hospital 205.90 204.44 -1 NA NA NA
care.
99231................... ....... Subsequent hospital 39.53 39.74 1 NA NA NA
care.
99232................... ....... Subsequent hospital 73.30 72.68 -1 NA NA NA
care.
99233................... ....... Subsequent hospital 105.64 104.91 -1 NA NA NA
care.
99236................... ....... Observ/hosp same 220.99 219.48 -1 NA NA NA
date.
99239................... ....... Hospital discharge 108.88 108.13 -1 NA NA NA
day.
99283................... ....... Emergency dept 62.88 62.66 0 NA NA NA
visit.
99284................... ....... Emergency dept 119.66 118.87 -1 NA NA NA
visit.
99291................... ....... Critical care first 227.46 225.93 -1 279.20 277.48 -1
hour.
99292................... ....... Critical care addl 113.55 113.14 0 124.33 123.88 0
30 min.
99348................... ....... Home visit est NA NA NA 84.80 84.86 0
patient.
99350................... ....... Home visit est NA NA NA 178.95 179.38 0
patient.
G0008................... ....... Immunization admin. NA NA NA 25.51 25.42 0
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ CPT codes and descriptions are copyright 2016 American Medical Association. All Rights Reserved. Applicable
FARS/DFARS apply.
\2\ Payments based on the July-December 2015 conversion factor of 35.9335.
\3\ Payments based on the 2016 conversion factor of $35.8043.
10. On page 71369,
a. Second column, fifth paragraph, line 20, the figure ``$109.28''
is corrected to read ``108.85''.
b. Second column, fifth paragraph, line 23, the figure ``$21.86''
is corrected to read ``21.77''.
List of Subjects in 42 CFR Part 411
Kidney diseases, Medicare, Physician referral, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements.
Accordingly, 42 CFR chapter IV is corrected by making the following
correcting amendments to part 411:
PART 411--EXCLUSIONS FROM MEDICARE AND LIMITATIONS ON MEDICARE
PAYMENT
0
1. The authority citation for part 411 continues to read as follows:
Authority: Secs. 1102, 1860D-1 through 1860D-42, 1871, and 1877
of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1302, 1395w-101 through 1395w-
152, 1395hh, and 1395nn).
0
2. Section 411.357 is amended:
0
a. In paragraph (d)(1)(iv) by removing the phrase ``is for at least 1
year'' and adding in its place the phrase ``is at least 1 year''.
0
b. In paragraph (x)(1)(vi)(A) by removing the phrase ``The nonphysician
practitioner has a compensation arrangement with'' and adding in its
place the phrase ``The nonphysician practitioner has a compensation
arrangement directly with''.
Dated: February 29, 2016.
Wilma Robinson,
Deputy Executive, Secretary to the Department, Department of Health and
Human Services.
[FR Doc. 2016-05054 Filed 3-7-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4120-01-P