Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 98 Part 1.djvu/1123

 PUBLIC LAW 98-369—JULY 18, 1984

98 STAT. 1075

(A) to eliminate inequities in the relative amounts paid to physicians by type of service, locality, and specialty, with particular attention to any inequities between cognitive services and medical procedures; and (B) to increase incentives for physicians and other suppliers under such part to accept assignment for services covered under title XVIII of the Social Security Act. 42 USC 1395. The study shall also examine the influence of payment methodology and payment levels on the utilization of services. (2) In carrying out the study under paragraph (1)(A), the Director shall take into account the relative time, complexity, investment in professional training, and overhead expenses necessary to the provision of various medical services and procedures, as well as the influence of the changes in technology. (3) The report under paragraph (1)(A) shall include information on methodologies which could be applied in the development of fee schedules on a national or regional basis for payments under part B of title XVIII of the Social Security Act in a manner consistent with 42 USC 1395j. the findings of the study under this subsection. (4) In preparing the report and recommendations, the Director shall consult with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and, as appropriate, with national organizations of physicians and other interested associations and individuals. (b) In order to assist the Director in completing the study and to facilitate Congressional review, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall compile a centralized medicare part B charge data base, utilizing information gathered by the medicare carriers for charges in 1983. Such data shall include information, by procedure, on— (1) utilization, (2) assignment rates of physicians and suppliers, (3) actual, customary, and prevailing charges, and (4) the differences in charges by physician specialty and locality. Such information shall be provided to the Director of the Office of Technolo^ Assessment. (c) The Secretary shall review the report submitted under subsection (a)(1) and shall report to the Congress his comments on the report and recommendations for legislative amendments. LIMITATION ON INCREASE IN HOSPITAL COSTS PER CASE

SEC. 2310. (a) Section 1886a))(3)(B) of the Social Security Act is amended— (1) by striking out "1 percentage point", and by inserting in lieu thereof "one-quarter of 1 percentage point", and (2) by adding at the end thereof the following: "In determining a percentage change under subsection (e)(4) with respect to discharges occurring in any cost reporting period or fiscal year beginning on or after October 1, 1985, and before October 1, 1986, the Secretary may not establish a percentage increase which exceeds the applicable percentage increase otherwise determined for that period or fiscal year under the preceding sentence.". (b) The amendments made by this section shall apply to cost reporting periods beginning in, and discharges occurring in, fiscal year 1985 and thereafter.

42 USC 1395WW.

Effective date. 42 USC 1395w^ note.

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