MedPAC to Vote on Expansion of Stark Self-referral Prohibition

The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) met on Thursday, Dec. 9, to discuss a variety of issues on which they may recommend changes in the law to Congress.  According to a late-breaking alert from Modern Healthcare, MedPAC

released a draft recommendation urging Congress to eliminate the “whole hospital” exemption in Medicare law that allows physicians to legally refer patients to hospitals in which they have a financial interest. The draft recommendation, however, supports establishing criteria to grandfather in existing physician-owned hospitals. A second draft recommendation would push Congress to authorize gain-sharing arrangements between hospitals and physicians. MedPAC will vote on both proposals in final form in January. Other notable draft recommendations released today include a proposal that Congress establish pay-for-performance incentives for hospitals, physicians and home health agencies.

Modern Healthcare's full story is here.