(a) Definition. As used in this section, the following definitions apply.
Physician scarcity area is defined as an area with a shortage of primary care physicians or specialty physicians to the Medicare population in that area.
Primary care physician is defined as a general practitioner, family practice practitioner, general internist, obstetrician or gynecologist.
- (b) Physicians' services furnished to a beneficiary in a Physician Scarcity Area (PSA) for primary or specialist care are eligible for a 5 percent incentive payment.
- (c) Primary care physicians furnishing services in primary care PSAs are entitled to an additional 5 percent incentive payment above the amount paid under the physician fee schedule for their professional services furnished on or after January 1, 2005 and before January 1, 2008.
- (d) Physicians, as defined in section 1861(r)(1) of the Act, furnishing services in specialist care PSAs are entitled to an additional 5 percent payment above the amount paid under the physician fee schedule for their professional services furnished on or after January 1, 2005 and before January 1, 2008.
[69 FR 66424, Nov. 15, 2004]