(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]