Problem Analysis Final Project: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

In 2002, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) implemented a congressional mandated ambulance fee schedule that substantially changed the way Medicare pays for ambulance services (GAO reports, 2003). Through the new structure, a provider is reimbursed a flat fee, which is geographically dependant based upon regional averages. Prior to this change, Medicare paid based on what were considered reasonable charges. …