What Should Providers Know about Fee Schedule Updates?

Payers update fee schedules periodically, sometimes annually or when Medicare releases rate changes. Contracts should specify how and when payers notify providers of fee schedule changes. Some changes are automatic based on Medicare updates, while others require mutual agreement. Providers should review fee schedule updates carefully to identify significant rate reductions that might warrant renegotiation or contract termination. Understanding how your contract handles fee schedule updates and whether you can contest changes protects your practice from surprise rate cuts.