Prospective payment for physician services: a "RAP" (radiology, anesthesiology, pathology) on the future.

Development of a prospective payment system for physician services under Medicare and Medicaid is still being considered in Washington. The first step will be to "bundle" radiology, anesthesiology and pathology ("RAP") services into existing Medicare DRG schedules. Other hospital-based physician services, including surgery and medical management, may also be included.