Understanding APCs for nuclear cardiology

The new HCFA HOPPS with APCs is a reality. This system is an averaging and bundling system mandated by Congress and implemented by HCFA to save health care dollars and reduce patient co-payments. The BBRA allows for a 2- to 3-year transition period of continued separate payment of radiopharmaceuticals. Please review your current systems to ensure your hospital has complied with the August 1, 2000, implementation of the APC system. In addition, please continue to monitor the HCFA (www.hcfa.gov), American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (www.asnc.org), and Society of Nuclear Medicine (www.snm.org) APC link Web sites for changes to the evolving final rule, published on April 7, 2000. Any questions regarding APCs for Nuclear Cardiology can be directed to your FI, the Nuclear Medicine APC Task Force (NMAPC@snm.org) or the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology. Finally, I would like to emphasize that nuclear cardiology departments can survive and live with APCs if you code accurately. Of key importance is to know the hospital revenue in the APC system and calculate actual costs for procedures performed in the nuclear cardiology department.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]