The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 was enacted January 2, 2013. This new law prevents a scheduled payment cut for physicians and other practitioners who treat Medicare patients from taking effect and provides for a zero percent update for such services through December 31, 2013

The new law also extends several provisions of previous legislation including the Job Creation Act of 2012 and the Affordable Care Act. The 2013 conversion factor is $34.0230, and the 2012 1.0 floor on the physician work geographic practice cost index is extended through December 31, 2013. Both of these will impact payment amounts.

In addition, based on MedPAC recommendations, Congress also included an increased multiple procedure payment reduction (MPPR) to therapy services provided on the same day. The Act increases the current MPPR from 20 percent in private practice and 25 percent in facilities, to 50 percent for all settings. This provision begins April 1, 2013. Therapy providers will be able to see the impact of this increased MPPR by selecting Dates of Service April 1, 2013 thru December 31, 2013 on the FearonLevine.com Medicare Fee Calculator.

The FearonLevine.com Medicare Fee Calculator has been updated to reflect the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule allowable payment amounts for services provided from January 1 through December 31, 2013.