CMS has issued an educational article for providers regarding certain Medicare payment policies that expired as of December 31, 2009, including the therapy cap exceptions process and the ability of independent laboratories to bill for the technical component of physician pathology services furnished to hospital patients. CMS notes that these policies could be extended by Congress. Health care providers therefore may choose, to the extent possible, to hold their claims for Medicare services provided on or after January 1, 2010 until it becomes clearer as to whether new legislation will be enacted to extend these provisions.
