ER-Forum Blog

Emergency physicians: are you ready for a Medicare fee cut?

Emergency physicians beware - as of this writing, the current freeze to the Medicare conversion factor is set to expire on March 31. But wait, haven't we been down this road before?  As a matter of fact, yes.  On March 17, the House of Representatives passed the Continuing Extension Act of 2010 (H.R. 4851) that included a provision that froze Medicare physician payments at their current level until April 30. The legislation also extends the therapy cap exception process through April 30. 

On March 10, the Senate approved the American Workers, State and Business Relief Act (H.R. 4213) of 2010 that included provisions to extend the current Medicare physician payment rates through the end of Sept. 2010 (a 6 month extension), the therapy cap exception process through the end of the year, and the current geographic practice cost index work floor through 2010. 

Further votes by the House and Senate on these expiring provisions are expected - but without further congressional action, the current freeze to the Medicare conversion factor still expires on March 31.  Currently the expectation is for the Senate to consider the 30 day/House extension and possibly take it to a vote as early as this week, though the Senate must also vote this week on the House passed reconciliation bill (H.R. 4872). Without permanent repeal of the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula, we will be subjected to this Never Never land of temporary fixes - or even lapses - virtually forever. I urge you to contact your Senators and Representatives and ask them to support permanent repeal of the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula once and for all.

Together, our voices are strong. Please take a moment to reach out.