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CMS-1403-FC
staff times specific to each procedure. The CPEPs consisted
of panels of physicians, practice administrators, and
nonphysicians (for example, RNs) who were nominated by
physician specialty societies and other groups. There were
15 CPEPs consisting of 180 members from more than
61 specialties and subspecialties. Approximately 50 percent
of the panelists were physicians.
The CPEPs identified specific inputs involved in each
physician’s service provided in an office or facility
setting. The inputs identified were the quantity and type
of nonphysician labor, medical supplies, and medical
equipment.
In 1999, the AMA's RUC established the PEAC. From 1999
to March 2004, the PEAC, a multi-specialty committee,
reviewed the original CPEP inputs and provided us with
recommendations for refining these direct PE inputs for
existing CPT codes. Through its last meeting in March 2004,
the PEAC provided recommendations for over 7,600 codes which
we have reviewed and in most instances have accepted. As a
result, the current PE inputs differ markedly from those
originally recommended by the CPEPs. The PEAC was replaced
by the Practice Expense Review Committee (PERC) and now
these PE-related activities are addressed by the AMA RUC PE
subcommittee.
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