Payment cut approaching if Congress doesn't repeal the SGR!
Posted by CEP America on Fri, May 14, 2010 @ 04:21 PM
Attention emergency physicians: not to sound like a broken record, but action on repeal of the flawed Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) is still being swept under the rug. Physicians will experience devastating cuts to their Medicare payments unless Congress intervenes before May 31.
Currently lawmakers are contemplating when to take up the matter. Based upon past history, any new bill will almost certainly not be hammered out until the 11th hour. Resolving the problem now is the fiscally responsible course to take - relying on past methods of postponing the immediate crisis will only increase the cost of a permanent repeal.
The U.S. Congress responds only when an interest group (us) makes it clear that we are paying attention and want action taken. Please take a minute to tell legislators that continuous last-minute legislation that momentarily prevents the cuts forces group practices to reduce services and makes it economically challenging to provide proper medical care.
ACEP offers an excellent online portal for advocates to address issues with Congress regarding emergency medicine. In addition, you can use the AMA's toll-free grassroots hotline to voice your concerns at (800) 833-6354.