PUBLIC LAW 108–173—DEC. 8, 2003
117 STAT. 2303
(3) The appropriateness of the amount of compensation by reason of such refinements. (4) The effect of such refinements on access to care by medicare beneficiaries to physicians’ services. (5) The effect of such refinements on physician participation under the medicare program. (b) VOLUME OF PHYSICIANS’ SERVICES.—Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission shall submit to Congress a report on the extent to which increases in the volume of physicians’ services under part B of the medicare program are a result of care that improves the health and well-being of medicare beneficiaries. The study shall include the following: (1) An analysis of recent and historic growth in the components that the Secretary includes under the sustainable growth rate (under section 1848(f) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–4(f))). (2) An examination of the relative growth of volume in physicians’ services between medicare beneficiaries and other populations. (3) An analysis of the degree to which new technology, including coverage determinations of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, has affected the volume of physicians’ services. (4) An examination of the impact on volume of demographic changes. (5) An examination of shifts in the site of service or services that influence the number and intensity of services furnished in physicians’ offices and the extent to which changes in reimbursement rates to other providers have effected these changes. (6) An evaluation of the extent to which the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services takes into account the impact of law and regulations on the sustainable growth rate.
Deadline. Reports.
Subtitle B—Preventive Services SEC. 611. COVERAGE OF AN INITIAL PREVENTIVE PHYSICAL EXAMINATION.
(a) COVERAGE.—Section 1861(s)(2) (42 U.S.C. 1395x(s)(2)) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (U), by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end; (2) in subparagraph (V)(iii), by inserting ‘‘and’’ at the end; and (3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: ‘‘(W) an initial preventive physical examination (as defined in subsection (ww));’’. (b) SERVICES DESCRIBED.—Section 1861 (42 U.S.C. 1395x) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ‘‘Initial Preventive Physical Examination ‘‘(ww)(1) The term ‘initial preventive physical examination’ means physicians’ services consisting of a physical examination (including measurement of height, weight, and blood pressure, and an electrocardiogram) with the goal of health promotion and disease
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