The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has adjusted its plans to enforce compliance with PAMA, originally intended to go into effect Jan. 1, 2021. As a result of COVID-19, CMS extended its PAMA compliance requirement to Jan. 1, 2022, giving providers the duration of 2020 and calendar year 2021 to prepare.

PAMA aims to address waste and ensure high-quality care for patients by mandating the use of a clinical decision support (CDS) tool when ordering advanced imaging services. With the deadline extension, there are no payment consequences associated with PAMA compliance during calendar years 2020 and 2021. On Jan. 1, 2022, CMS will begin to withhold payment if proof of a CDS solution is not in place when ordering advanced imaging services.

Providers may use this additional time to prepare for an effective PAMA-compliant CDS solution that aids in ordering appropriate advanced diagnostic imaging services for Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) patients. Accordingly, it is critical for providers to actively work toward implementing a CDS solution during this time and take advantage of the penalty-free period to put a plan in place.

Download our complimentary e-book for a providers' guide to transitioning to a smart CDS PAMA solutions that helps your organization meet AUC.