The AMA created the Medicare Participation Options Toolkit to help physicians determine the best Medicare participation option for their practice. Whether or not a physician is thinking about modifying their Medicare status, it is important to understand the available options. There are 3 Medicare contractual options for physicians:
- Participating (often referred to as “PAR”)
- Non-participating (referred to as “non-PAR”)
- Private contracting
The decision period for physicians to change their "participation status" ends each year on Dec. 31.
Physicians can use the AMA's toolkit (PDF) to help weigh the pros and cons and choose the direction suitable for their practice. The kit contains a detailed explanation of options and frequently asked questions (PDF) for those choosing private contracting.
