What do I need to know about the Stark III rules?
June 15, 2008
As a result of the Stark III regulations, physicians must review their contracts and professional arrangements immediately to make sure they comply with the new self-referral rules.
The Stark law prohibits physicians from referring Medicare patients to hospitals or other entities in which they have a financial relationship, unless the arrangement fits into one of a number of specific exceptions.
The new Stark III regulations went into effect on December 4, 2007.
The most controversial provision says that a physician “stands in the shoes” of his or her group practice for the purpose of determining whether Stark covers the doctor’s relationship with another entity.
Unlike other regs, such as those for the anti-kickback statute, the Stark regs are not simply agency guidance – they have the force of law.
Reading between the lines of the new regs, CMS has signaled that more enforcement is likely and physicians and health care providers should be prepared, attorneys said.
Click here to read more details about the changes and how they affect your practice.
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