CMS is the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. It was formerly known as the HCFA. That stands for Health Care Financing Administration. The Medicare/Medicaid legislation was passed in 1964. There are predetermined rates depending of services or facilities. There are annual increases due to inflation. Ambulance services accept Medicaid payments. Ambulance services are broken down into two categories: ground and air services. Ambulance Fee Schedule was established in 1997. Clinical Lab Fee Schedule was established in 1984. Medicare reimbursement is based on submitted charges, national limitation amount or local fee schedule amount, whichever is lowest. Medicare and Medicaid no longer pay for hospital mistakes. Physician fee
