Abstract

The Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) serves as a cornerstone for reimbursement in palliative care, directly impacting the financial sustainability of practices and access to essential services for patients with serious illnesses. With ongoing updates to billing codes, documentation requirements, and payment policies, staying informed is crucial for palliative care providers to ensure compliance, optimize reimbursement, and maintain high-quality care. This paper explores the latest changes in the MPFS as they pertain to palliative care, including revisions to evaluation and management (E/M) codes, telehealth billing regulations, and quality reporting measures. It provides practical strategies for accurate documentation, navigating new coding requirements, and addressing common challenges in billing workflows. Emphasis is placed on leveraging these updates to enhance care delivery, streamline operations, and align financial practices with patient-centered care goals. By mastering the intricacies of the Medicare Fee Schedule, palliative care providers can ensure their practices remain viable while continuing to deliver compassionate, equitable, and effective care to patients and families. This discussion serves as a guide to navigating the evolving reimbursement landscape, empowering providers to meet both clinical and administrative demands.