New information for physicians is available on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Web site, enabling doctors to determine if they qualify for Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) bonus payments for 2006 on claims from Jan. 1, 2006, through Dec. 31, 2006.

The Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 mandates an annual update to the HPSA bonus payment ZIP Code files. To find out if they're eligible, physicians must visit the CMS Web site at www.cms.hhs.gov/providers/bonuspayment. Then, under the "Health Professional Shortage Area Designations" section, doctors must click on the "2006 Primary Care HPSA" or "2006 Mental Health HPSA" link to look up the ZIP Code and state where they provide medical services. If their ZIP Code is on the list, they are automatically eligible for HPSA bonus payments.

The Social Security Act provides 10 percent bonus payments to physicians who furnish medical care services in geographic areas designated as HPSAs.

For details regarding the HPSA bonus payments, visit
www.cms.hhs.gov/manuals/transmittals/comm_date_dsc.asp or www.cms.hhs.gov/medlearn/matters.