CMS corrects error in IPPS proposed rule

CMS has discovered and corrected an error that the agency found in its Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) proposed rule that was published in April. CMS posted a corrected version of the proposed rule on its Web site June 10.

The error was discovered in the calculation of the out-migration adjustment and in the related Table 4J. As a result, some providers will no longer qualify for an out-migration adjustment for the FY2009 proposed wage index. Conversely, other providers will now qualify for the adjustment.

According to CMS: "Hospitals, particularly those having to make reclassification decisions (the deadline is June 14, 2008 for withdrawing or terminating a reclassification for the FY2009 wage index), are strongly encouraged to review the reposted Table 4J to determine how they are affected by these corrections."

CMS sent out notification of the correction to subscribers of its Hospitals-Acute-L listserv e-mail program on June 11, 2008. The listserv bulletin contains the specific information needed to determine wage index qualification. The bulletin can be accessed here (free registration required to access the bulletin).