Temporary Medicare SGR Fix - February 4, 2010
The reoccurring threat of Medicare physician payment cuts is on the horizon once again. With the looming deadline of March 1, 2010 lawmakers, under pressure from the healthcare community, are working towards a fix. A recent article from Medscape shows a possible scenario that may unfold over the next few weeks.
The recently passed Senate bill to increase the national debt ceiling has created the environment necessary for another temporary sustainable growth rate (SGR) fix. Discussion has begun to introduce a second bill which would allow for a five year Medicare rate freeze. This would avert the 21.2% rate cut until 2015 at which time, if not fixed, physicians would face a 25% to 30% cut.
The cost of the five year rate freeze is estimated at $82 billion, according to the American Medical Association.
Med USA will continue to monitor this situation and keep you informed of the latest developments. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Liz Gardner at 801.352.9500 ext 1308 or email lgardner@medusabil.com
Click Here for the full Medscape article.
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