1997 Fall summary: news from Washington

Article Abstract:

Congress has given nurse practitioners (NPs) authority to bill Medicare directly for services to eligible beneficiaries. Details about the scope of covered services, including those provided incidentally to physician services, are unclear. The law becomes effective January 1998, and reflects the grassroots support and organized efforts of several nursing and NP organizations. Congress also approved Medicare reimbursement for telehealth services, in which patients are linked to health care providers by telecommunication, for providers in designated rural areas.

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Medicare "incident to" payment - obsolete and misunderstood

Article Abstract:

Persistent lobbying and involvement at the local and federal levels may clear up the confusion surrounding Medicare reimbursement for nursing practitioners (NPs). Much debate surrounds the wording of the Medicare law specifying that patient treatment by non-physician personnel such as NPs be physically supervised by a medical doctor. Rural NPs providing similar care are currently exempt from this ruling. Changes in the hierarchy of some health care clinics further complicate the issue.

Economic aspects, Medical policy, Health policy

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Medicare reimbursement: for NPs, CNSs, MDs, and telehealth

Article Abstract:

Direct Medicare reimbursement to nurse practitioners (NP) and clinical nurse specialists (CNS) has been written in the same language in both House and Senate versions of the Primary Care Health Practitioner Incentive Act of 1997. This is an issue CNS's and NP's have been working toward for 15 years. The bill authorizes payment to NP's and CNS's at 85% of the physician fee schedules.

Prospective payment systems (Medical care)

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