Final answer:
Medicare Physician Fee Schedule amounts are not at all higher for participating providers; nonparticipating providers may be reimbursed less and can charge more, but face limitations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Medicare Physician Fee Schedule amounts are not at all higher for participating providers compared to nonparticipating providers. In fact, nonparticipating providers may be reimbursed at 95% of the fee schedule amount.[1] Participating physicians agree to accept the Medicare-approved amount as full payment for covered services, which usually results in slightly lower payments than nonparticipating physicians who may charge up to 115% of the fee schedule amount.[2]