The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) announced that its 2022 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) resources for audiologists and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are now available on the Medicare outpatient payment webpage. The MPFS establishes Medicare Part B policies and payment rates for outpatient audiology and speech-language pathology services.
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Significant policies addressed in this rule include—but are not limited to—payment cuts currently scheduled for audiology, speech-language pathology, and other services; new codes for remote therapeutic monitoring (RTM); extended virtual check-in services; telehealth services; quality reporting; and Alternative Payment Models. The documents also provide 2022 national payment rates, as well as 2021 rates for comparison to help audiologists and SLPs estimate the impact of the payment cuts.
Most speech-language pathology services provided in hospital outpatient settings are also paid under the MPFS. However, a separate payment system—the hospital outpatient prospective payment system (OPPS)—applies to audiology services provided in hospital outpatient departments. ASHA will provide a separate analysis of the 2022 OPPS on the Medicare outpatient payment webpage next week.
ASHA is the national professional, scientific, and credentialing association for 218,000 members and affiliates who are audiologists; speech-language pathologists; speech, language, and hearing scientists; audiology and speech-language pathology support personnel; and students. Audiologists specialize in preventing and assessing hearing and balance disorders as well as providing audiologic treatment, including hearing aids. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) identify, assess, and treat speech, language, and swallowing disorders. Learn about the differences between professional associations and unions.
ASHA Resources
- 2022 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for Audiologists [PDF]
- 2022 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for Speech-Language Pathologists [PDF]
- Learn more about the Medicare payment cuts and how you can get involved.
- Contact your Members of Congress and ask them to address the Medicare payment cuts.
- Contact your Members of Congress and ask them to extend permanent authority for Medicare telehealth reimbursement.
Source: ASHA
