This session is based on events by the federal government that would impact provider payments for services provided to Medicare beneficiaries.

The intent of the session is to provide the audience with an in-depth look at the changes being contemplated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for Medicare payment changes for 2011 services rendered beginning on and after October 1, 2010. These changes are based on existing Medicare law and Medicare regulations. Much of the material will be from CMS various proposed prospective payment system (PPS) proposed rule making that traditionally occur in late April and early May. For example, one potential element for next years hospital inpatient PPS update could center on case-mix adjustments that reflect real versus coding modifications. CMS has postponed its proposed changes case mix "upcoding" for FY 2010. A question becomes what will CMS likely propose in FY 2011?

In part this item, and the other updates to the skilled nursing facility rates, which are expected to include a new "RUG IV" classification system, inpatient rehabilitation facility, psychiatric facility and others will be the focus of the program.

Always looming as Medicare financial issues are possible Congressional actions and material from the Presidents FY 2011 budget. To the extent that these items are available and pertinent, they would be discussed as well.

Besides identifying such changes, the conclusion is to provide the audience with measures that could ameliorate negative revenue changes on their operationals.