Drug device implants get sliced, sacroiliac fusion, X-ray codes get a raise

Why This Topic Matters

The article helps readers identify which commonly reported CPT services were revalued, reduced, increased, or deemed non-covered in the 2020 Medicare physician fee schedule. That makes it relevant for fee schedule review, budgeting, and compliance awareness across affected practices.

Article Sections

1. Overview of 2020 Medicare physician fee schedule changes

   Introduces the scope of the fee schedule update and the types of services affected across different clinical areas.

2. Drug device implant and removal valuations

   Summarizes Medicare valuation changes for implant-related procedures and related reimbursement impacts.

3. Manual preparation and insertion of drug-delivery device codes

   Covers CMS and RUC valuation decisions for a related group of add-on procedures and their reporting context.

4. Dry needling coverage status

   Discusses Medicare coverage status for new trigger point dry needling procedures and related policy context.

5. Hand tendon sheath procedure valuations

   Reviews revised values for selected hand and tendon sheath procedures and the reasons they were reexamined.

6. Closed acetabular fracture treatment

   Summarizes the reimbursement change for a closed fracture treatment service in the 2020 fee schedule.

7. Sacroiliac joint fusion

   Describes the valuation update for sacroiliac joint fusion and the resulting payment impact.

8. X-ray surgical specimen imaging

   Covers the revaluation of a radiology service and the broader discussion of concurrent service valuation.