RELATIVE VALUES FOR PEDIATRIC SERVICES.

SEC. 124. RELATIVE VALUES FOR PEDIATRIC SERVICES. (a) In General.— The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall fully develop, by not later than July 1, 1995, relative values for the full range of pediatric physicians’ services which are consistent with the relative values developed for other physicians’ services under section 1848(c) of the Social Security Act. In developing such values, the Secretary shall conduct such refinements as may be necessary to produce appropriate estimates for such relative values. (b) Study.— (1) In general.— The Secretary shall conduct a study of the relative values for pediatric and other services to determine whether there are significant variations in the resources used in providing similar services to different populations. In conducting such study, the Secretary shall consult with appropriate organizations representing pediatricians and other physicians and physical and occupational therapists. (2) Report.— Not later than July 1, 1995, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the study conducted under paragraph (1). Such report shall include any appropriate recommendations regarding needed changes in coding or other payment policies to ensure that payments for pediatric services appropriately reflect the resources required to provide these services.