CMS final rules recently went on display updating payment polices for services furnished in a physician office or in a hospital outpatient setting. These final rules address some of the concerns ASPS and other medical societies raised, while others are yet to be fully addressed.

Plastic surgeons should be aware of new Medicare Prior Authorization policy, set to become effective on July 1, 2020, that will require hospitals to show the medical necessity of blepharoplasty, botulinum toxin injections, panniculectomy and rhinoplasty procedures before Medicare will provide reimbursement. For private practices to obtain prior authorization, medical information will need to be forwarded to the hospital before the procedure can be scheduled. 

> Learn more about the new payment policies