2006 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule

Congress has passed the Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) of 2005, which, among other things, changes the update to the 2006 conversion factor for services paid under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). The DRA replaces the previously announced -4.4 percent reduction with a zero-percent increase for services paid under the MPFS. The change is effective retroactive for service on or after January 01, 2006.

Claims processed with the -4.4 percent rates will be reprocessed with the new rates and adjustments will be made. Medicare contractors will complete the necessary adjustments no later than July 01, 2006. In the event your claims are not adjusted by your carrier/FI/RHHI, contact them to bring the issue to their attention and they will make the adjustments.