CMS Releases CY 25 Physician Fee Schedule and Quality Payment Program Proposed Rule 

On July 11, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the calendar year (CY) 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and Quality Payment Program (QPP) proposed rule that would update payment rates for physicians and other health care professionals, extend certain telehealth waivers and flexibilities, refine the Shared Savings Program (SSP), revise the QPP, and change other policies.  

The CMS proposed to lower the conversion factor from $33.29 in 2024 to $32.36 for 2025, a decrease of $0.93 (2.8%). The agency also proposed expanding some telehealth policies, such as adding services to the Telehealth List on a provisional basis and permitting virtual supervision of resident telehealth services through 2025. However, the CMS lacks the authority to extend many of the other telehealth flexibilities beyond Dec. 31 without Congressional action. Additionally, the agency included proposals to further the objectives of the CMS Behavioral Health Strategy to promote high-quality behavioral health services and supports.  

Comments are due Sept. 9.