Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
 
Agency
Department of Medical Assistance Services
Board
Board of Medical Assistance Services

General Notice
Increase in Some OB/GYN Physician Payment Rates
Date Posted: 8/15/2004
Expiration Date: 9/1/2004
Submitted to Registrar for publication: YES
No comment forum defined for this notice.
Notice of Intent to Increase Payments for Certain Physician Services Notice is hereby given that the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) intends to modify its reimbursement plan for physician services pursuant to the Department’s authority under Title XIX of the Social Security Act. This notice is intended to satisfy the requirements of 42 C.F.R. § 447.205 and of § 1902(a)(13) of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § 1396a(a)(13). The changes contained in this public notice are occurring in response to the growing crisis in access to obstetrical care for Medicaid recipients. DMAS is amending existing regulations to provide a 34 percent increase in the Medicaid Physician Fee Schedule for obstetrical and gynecological services. This is a one-time increase, but will be sustained through a separate budget neutrality calculation in subsequent fee schedule updates. DMAS has estimated that this increase will cost approximately $14.4 million ($7.2 million General Funds) annually. A copy of this notice is available for public review from Scott Crawford, Director, Provider Reimbursement Division, DMAS, 600 Broad Street, Suite 1300, Richmond, VA 23219, and this notice is available for public review at www.townhall.state.va.us. Comments or inquiries may be submitted, in writing, within 30 days of this notice publication to Mr. Crawford and such comments are available for review at the same address.

Contact Information
Name / Title: Scott Crawford, Director  / Div of Provider Reimbursement, DMAS
Address: 600 E. Broad St., Suite 1300
Richmond, 23219
Email Address: scott.crawford@dmas.virginia.gov
Telephone: (804)786-3639    FAX: (804)786-1680    TDD: (800)343-0634