The study, published April 26 in INQUIRY: The Journal of Health Care Organization, Provision, and Financing, used aggregated data for 100% of Medicare Part B claims from 2005 to 2021. Researchers computed the percentage change in reimbursement per beneficiary, nominal and inflation-adjusted, by specialty.
Overall, reimbursement per beneficiary decreased by 2.3% for physicians, and the change ranged by specialty from -36.1% for cardiac surgery to +1,106% for nurse practitioners.
Of 16 healthcare specialties, the study included three within heart care, all with drops in reimbursement rates:
Cardiology: -29%
Thoracic surgery: -41.5%
Cardiac surgery: -57.6%
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
