Certain provisions with a relatively minor financial impact on the SMI program, but which are important from a policy standpoint, are described as well. Screening colonoscopies are covered for all individuals, not just those at high risk, beginning July 1, 2001. For persons not at high risk, a screening colonoscopy is covered 10 years after a previous screening colonoscopy or 4 years after a screening flexible sigmoidoscopy. Such services are defined as nutritional diagnostic, therapy, and counseling services that are furnished by a registered dietician or nutrition professional, pursuant to a physician's referral, for the purpose of disease management. Payment equals 80 percent of the lesser of the actual charge for the services or 85 percent of the payment that would be made under the physician fee schedule if such services were provided by a physician.
Assignment is required for all claims.
Time and budget limitations are removed on the coverage of immunosuppressive drugs, making coverage of these drugs a permanent benefit for beneficiaries who have received a covered organ transplant. The entitlement to Medicare begins with the first month of the Social Security Administration's determination of eligibility for Disability Insurance benefits. Payment is specified as the mileage rate otherwise established under the fee schedule increased by not less than half of the additional payment per mile for the first 17 miles of a rural trip. The Secretary must pay the physician or practitioner the same amount that would have been paid if the service had been furnished without the use of a telecommunications system. The combination of these increases provides an increase in payment equivalent to a full market basket update for all of 2001.