Comparative Performance Reports     The American College of Cardiology recently compiled Health Care Financing Administration, Evaluation and Management utilization data, and compared utilization frequency for the years 1997 and 1998. The comparison demonstrated little change in the frequency of code use within the given time frame. The most frequently used E&M codes were associated with low to moderate levels of medical decision making. The College noted a slight decrease of 1%, in the use of the high complex medical decision inpatient service E&M codes, both initial and subsequent visits. Empire Medicare Services, the local Part B carrier, is in receipt of data that demonstrates regional utilization differences from the national norm. The carrier has been mandated to alert and educate physicians who deviate significantly from the regional and national averages. Medicare Part B alerts physicians by issuing Comparative Performance Reports (CPR). The carrier informs physicians of deviations from national norms noted by profiling past claim submissions. Please contact the OFBC prior to responding to any request for information from any insurance carrier. Assistance will be provided in the coordination of the response.   Return to Contents | Return to Billing Compliance