COMPTROLLER GENERAL STUDY OF ADEQUACY AND EFFECT OF MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE CHARGES FOR PHYSICIANS UNDER CHAMPUS.

SEC. 746. COMPTROLLER GENERAL STUDY OF ADEQUACY AND EFFECT OF MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE CHARGES FOR PHYSICIANS UNDER CHAMPUS. (a) Study Required.—The Comptroller General shall conduct a study regarding the adequacy of the maximum allowable charges for physicians established under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) and the effect of such charges on the participation of physicians in CHAMPUS. The study shall include an evaluation of the following: (1) The methodology used by the Secretary of Defense to establish maximum allowable charges for physicians under CHAMPUS, and whether such methodology conforms to the requirements of section 1079(h) of title 10, United States Code. (2) The differences between the established charges under CHAMPUS and reimbursement rates for similar services under title XVIII of the Social Security Act and other health care programs. (3) The basis for physician complaints that the CHAMPUS established charges are too low. (4) The difficultly of CHAMPUS in ensuring physician compliance with the CHAMPUS established charges in the absence of legal mechanisms to enforce compliance, and the effect of noncompliance on patient out-of-pocket expenses. (5) The effect of the established charges under CHAMPUS on the participation of physicians in CHAMPUS, and the extent and success of Department of Defense efforts to increase physician participation in areas with low participation rates. (b) Submission of Report.—Not later than March 1, 1998, the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a report containing the results of the study required by subsection (a).