The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is accepting comments through June 25, 2012, on the proposed rule changes to the hospital inpatient prospective payment system (IPPS) for federal fiscal year (FY) 2013. The proposed rule identifies CMS’ changes to the annual payment policy updates for hospitals as well as revisions to the wage index, quality reporting requirements and value-based purchasing. The proposed Payment Rate Updates establish the FY 2013 operating standardized amount at $5,325.62, a 2.1 percent increase from prior year for those reporting quality data.
Washington engaged in an annual ritual on February 13. The president sent his proposed budget for fiscal year 2013 to Capitol Hill, where it promptly was declared dead on arrival. While this declaration is true, it also is entirely beside the point.