(1) The AMA supports the concept of separate payment by private and public payers for the services of physicians who perform diagnostic procedures separately and apart from surgical therapy. (2) The AMA supports the concept of one inclusive fee or payment to a physician by private and public payers for diagnostic surgical procedures performed in conjunction with and as a part of surgical therapy, and encourages payers to utilize for payment purposes a coding system which can recognize the greater complexity or extent of the service which may be rendered. (3) The AMA urges physicians billing third parties to ensure that all services provided are completely described or coded on the appropriate claim form(s).

Policy Timeline

CMS Rep. E, A-86 Reaffirmed: Sunset Report, I-96 Reaffirmed: CMS Rep. 8, A-06 Reaffirmed: CMS Rep. 01, A-16