AMA applauds CMS policy changes on outpatient facilities

The American Medical Association (AMA) today applauded the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updated policy in the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System. The announced policy changes including measures to protect small, independent physician practices, updates to survey questions concerning pain management, and Meaningful Use reforms that will help physicians meet reporting requirements — all policy changes for which the AMA advocated directly to CMS.

“CMS understands that these policies effect how physicians practice medicine and how patients receive treatment,” said AMA President Andrew W. Gurman, MD. “By listening to our concerns, CMS made clear that patient care was the top priority. We look forward to continuing to work with CMS to improve patient health and enhance access to affordable quality care.”