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I figured that there has been enough SGR craziness recently that it deserves it's own thread. I'm reposting the AAO announcement that Eyefixer put in the Job Market thread:
Senate Votes to Push 21 Percent Medicare Physician Pay Cut to Nov. 30
Appears House Will Vote on the New Plan Next Week
The week has been a rollercoaster for Medicare physician pay, highlighting the urgent need for permanent repeal of the sustainable growth rate system. The Senate this afternoon passed legislation that temporarily reverses the 21 percent Medicare physician pay cut in place since June 1 and provides a 2.2 percent update through Nov. 30. However, because of Senate delays, the House has recessed and is not due to return for votes until Tuesday evening.
CMS today directed contractors to lift the hold on claims for services paid for the first 10 business days of June and begin processing June 1 and later claims under the laws negative update requirement.
Academy CEO/EVP David W. Parke II, MD, Personal Reaction:
Having just returned (again) from Washington, Academy members ask me to explain why Congress cant act responsibly on the SGR. They dont understand why Congress cant fix a problem (of Congressional making) that health care policy experts, economists, physicians and even CMS itself agree is just plain wrong. And the SGR unilaterally penalizes physiciansnot hospitals, not drug companies, not any other sector. But this defies logical explanationbeyond saying it is pure partisan politics layered on top of a fragile economy.
It is your Academys Job #1 in Washingtonto use every tool we have and every relationship weve developedto help fix the sustainable growth rate. We are one voice of many, along with all major medical societies, the AARP, etc. Were angry and frustrated, but we still fight.
What can you do? (1) Hold Congressional candidates accountable to this issue; (2) continue to let Congress, your patients and your communities know what you think (yes, Congress does add up those e-mails that come through the Academys Capwiz program); (3) give to OPHTHPAC (why do you think all those attorneys give big bucks?); and (4) be mad as hell. I sure am.
Keep the Pressure on Congress for a Permanent Fix
If you have not already done so, ask your employees and patients to join in this effort and sign the Texas Medical Associations online million-signature campaign calling for a permanent solution to Medicare physician pay. A patient flyer (in color or B/W) that includes a brief summary of the issue and the Web link for the petition is also provided.
If you have questions, contact the Academys Governmental Affairs Office at 202.737.6662.
Senate Votes to Push 21 Percent Medicare Physician Pay Cut to Nov. 30
Appears House Will Vote on the New Plan Next Week
The week has been a rollercoaster for Medicare physician pay, highlighting the urgent need for permanent repeal of the sustainable growth rate system. The Senate this afternoon passed legislation that temporarily reverses the 21 percent Medicare physician pay cut in place since June 1 and provides a 2.2 percent update through Nov. 30. However, because of Senate delays, the House has recessed and is not due to return for votes until Tuesday evening.
CMS today directed contractors to lift the hold on claims for services paid for the first 10 business days of June and begin processing June 1 and later claims under the laws negative update requirement.
Academy CEO/EVP David W. Parke II, MD, Personal Reaction:
Having just returned (again) from Washington, Academy members ask me to explain why Congress cant act responsibly on the SGR. They dont understand why Congress cant fix a problem (of Congressional making) that health care policy experts, economists, physicians and even CMS itself agree is just plain wrong. And the SGR unilaterally penalizes physiciansnot hospitals, not drug companies, not any other sector. But this defies logical explanationbeyond saying it is pure partisan politics layered on top of a fragile economy.
It is your Academys Job #1 in Washingtonto use every tool we have and every relationship weve developedto help fix the sustainable growth rate. We are one voice of many, along with all major medical societies, the AARP, etc. Were angry and frustrated, but we still fight.
What can you do? (1) Hold Congressional candidates accountable to this issue; (2) continue to let Congress, your patients and your communities know what you think (yes, Congress does add up those e-mails that come through the Academys Capwiz program); (3) give to OPHTHPAC (why do you think all those attorneys give big bucks?); and (4) be mad as hell. I sure am.
Keep the Pressure on Congress for a Permanent Fix
If you have not already done so, ask your employees and patients to join in this effort and sign the Texas Medical Associations online million-signature campaign calling for a permanent solution to Medicare physician pay. A patient flyer (in color or B/W) that includes a brief summary of the issue and the Web link for the petition is also provided.
If you have questions, contact the Academys Governmental Affairs Office at 202.737.6662.
