Physician payment for 2007: a description of the process by which major changes in valuation of cardiothoracic surgical procedures occurred.
Throughout the last 3 years, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) has put forth a major effort towards more accurate valuation of the work performed by cardiothoracic surgeons. The culmination of these efforts was realized on November 1, 2006, when the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services published the Final Rule which markedly increased the physician work values for the most frequently performed cardiothoracic surgery procedures. This article recounts the innovative approach taken by the STS during these extended efforts.
Smith
Peter K
PK
Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA. smith058@mc.duke.edu
Mayer
John E
JE
Kanter
Kirk R
KR
DiSesa
Verdi J
VJ
Levett
James M
JM
Wright
Cameron D
CD
Nichols
Francis C
FC
Naunheim
Keith S
KS
D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000191:economics*; D014487:Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S.; D019992:Databases as Topic; D005245:Fee Schedules; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D012051:Reimbursement Mechanisms; D015895:Relative Value Scales; D012955:Societies, Medical; D019616:Thoracic Surgical Procedures / Q000191:economics*; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States