The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is committed to advancing health equity and reducing disparities in healthcare access and outcomes. The 2024 Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) introduces a range of new services specifically designed to address these critical issues.
What is Health Equity?
CMS defines health equity as “the attainment of the highest level of health for all people, where everyone has a fair and just opportunity to attain their optimal health regardless of race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, geography, preferred language, and other factors.”
New Services for Improved Care:
The 2024 PFS Final Rule introduces four new services focused on promoting health equity:
- Caregiver Training Services (CTS): Acknowledges the vital role caregivers play in patient well-being by allowing reimbursement for training and involving them in the treatment plan for specific conditions.
- Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Risk Assessment: Recognizes the significant impact of factors like housing and food security on health by allowing providers to be reimbursed for assessing these social determinants during patient evaluations.
- Community Health Integration (CHI): Recognizes the importance of collaboration between healthcare providers and community resources by offering reimbursement for activities that connect patients with social services and community-based supports.
- Principal Care Management (PCM) Services for Beneficiaries with Serious and Complex Chronic Conditions (SCCC): Allows for more intensive care management for patients with complex conditions, potentially leading to improved health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.
Understanding and Utilizing These Services:
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