The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently published the final rule for the 2008 Medicare physician payment schedule, which can be downloaded from www.cms.hhs.gov/physicianfeesched/downloads/CMS-1385-FC.pdf.

Several sections of the rule will affect sleep medicine specialists, and a memo detailing these issues is online at www.aasm.org/resources/pdf/idtfupdate.pdf.

There seems to be some confusion with the recent CMS proposed ruling prohibiting Independent Diagnostic Testing Facilities (IDTF) from using hotels and motels as a testing facility. CMS has proposed to adopt a revision to the IDTF standards that would expressly preclude hotels and motels from being considered an appropriate site for an IDTF setting. Based on comments CMS has received from the public, it believes that a hotel or motel is not an appropriate place for diagnostic testing to occur.

However, it is important to consider the CMS definition of an IDTF. Please note that according to CMS an IDTF is a non-physician-owned, non-hospital-affiliated facility. Physician-owned or hospital-affiliated facilities are not affected by this proposal.

CMS is accepting comment until December 30 on this proposal. Please go to www.cms.hhs.gov/eRulemaking/ to submit your comment on this proposed rule.

Contact Ted Thurn at (708) 492-0930 or tthurn@aasm.org with questions.