Neuropsychology Central

[drejb]

For kicks every year I do a historical review of the Medicare allowable for 45-50 min of therapy for our area (North Florida)

Here are the trends 1995 – 70.28; 1996 – 79.53; 97 – 86.49; 99 – 86.49, 00 – 92.43; 01 – 97.81; 02 – 93.16; 03 - 93.16; 04 – 96.54; 05 – 97.84; 06 – 92.78; 07-88.60; 08 – 86.50, 2009 - 88.64 and now 2010 86.37 slightly less than in 1997 and 1999.

Here is a graph: http://cpancf.com/images/medicaretherapytrends.bmp

In short 13 years later we are roughly getting paid what was being paid in 1999 and more than 10% less than several years ago. Could have been worse if the scheduled cuts went into effect, and Bush’s veto was not overturned.

The trend for neuropsych testing by PH.D - started in 2005. My prediction then was that the fees for tech and doc would merge, with doc administered fees dropping –

2006 - 122.54, 2007 - 116.16, 2008 - 112.28, 2009 -105.25 and now 2010 – 98.23. Already 20% less than where we started from with scheduled cuts for the next three years which choudl bring it down to $80 (20% scheduled cuts off of 2009).

More shock? In 1986 more than 20 years ago the Medicare rate for psychological testing in some parts of FL was: $135.00

Neuro tech 2006 on was 62.65, 67.90, 73.81, 72.71 and now 64.94.

I am sure it is different in different states and parts of FL – but a little bit of review never hurt anyone. Also remember that other companies use these rates to set their rates. For example in FL auto insurance, work comp and voc rehab all use the Medicare rate. ``

As always, would be fun to use inflation-corrected reimbursement rates…. It would paint a much more dire picture.
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Ernest J. Bordini, Ph.D.
Editor/Administrator
http://www.NeuropsychologyCentral.COM

Executive Director
Clinical Psychology Associates of North Central Florida
http://www.cpancf.com
2121 NW 40th Terr. Suite B
Gainesville, FL 32605
(352) 336-2888

[RJ]

Very interesting to see these trends in FL. I am in the South Florida area working with HMO clinics. I'm curious, where do you collect the data for these trends?
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Russell Johnson
Florida Medicare Guide
HMO Clinic Owner

[collingwood]

My prediction then was that the fees for tech and doc would merge...,
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"Collingwood"