Medicare offers electronic pay in computer claims push

Article Abstract:

Medicare is offering to pay physicians by electronic funds transfer if they submit at least 90% of their Medicare claims electronically. The plan is a cost-cutting measure for the Department of Health and Human Services. At the same time, payment for claims submitted on paper has been made two weeks slower than electronic payment. While many physicians are interested in electronic processing, smaller practices resist investing in the necessary hardware because they believe that Medicare's reimbursement rates do not cover costs.

Medical offices

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HCFA moves to broaden electronic filing

Article Abstract:

The Bush administration is attempting to obtain Congressional approval to institute a program designed to boost the proportion of physician Medicare claims that are submitted electronically. The program would require the Health Care Financing Administration (HFCA) to pay electronic medical claims two weeks sooner than paper claims. HFCA official Jeff Sanders asserts that the program is part of a larger plan to automate the health care system in a manner similar to that of the banking industry.

Laws, regulations and rules, Electronic funds transfer systems, United States. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

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Reports hit unbalanced Medicare pay updates

Article Abstract:

Both the Department of Health and Human Services and the Physician Payment Review Commission have issued reports critical of Medicare's volume performance standard for reimbursing physicians. Under the current system, physicians are penalized for spending too much money and are rewarded for staying under limits. However, since the original formula rewards physicians so poorly, few overspent the limits in 1992 and many are now qualified for large bonuses, which Medicare may be unable to pay.

Reports, Compensation and benefits, Prospective payment systems (Medical care)

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