The reimbursement rate for lithotripsy just dropped by about 21% thanks to Medicare's correction of an erroneous payment rate.

CPT code 50590 (fragmenting of kidney stone) was set at a national average of $2,102.29 upon its November 2011 release. On April 24, however, CMS adjusted the payment rate to $1,665.59, a reduction of $436.70 or 20.77%. The rate is retroactive to January 1, 2012.

According to the ASC Association, "Medicare contractors are not supposed to automatically reprocess previously paid claims." Contact the association should you notice such adjustments.

David Bernard