Medicare Program; Revisions to Payment Policies and Adjustments to the Relative Value Units Under the Physician Fee Schedule, Other Part B Payment Policies, and Establishment of the Clinical Psychologist Fee Schedule for Calendar Year 1998

This final rule makes several policy changes affecting Medicare Part B payment. The changes relate to physician services, including geographic practice cost index changes, clinical psychologist services, physician supervision of diagnostic tests, establishment of independent diagnostic testing facilities, the methodology used to develop reasonable compensation equivalent limits, payment to participating and nonparticipating suppliers, global surgical services, caloric vestibular testing, and clinical consultations. This rule also implements provisions in the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 relating to practice expense relative value units, screening mammography, colorectal cancer screening, screening pelvic examinations, and EKG transportation. In addition, we are finalizing the 1997 interim work relative value units and are issuing interim work relative value units for new and revised codes for 1998.