Physicians react to Congress’ vote to cut Medicare payments by 2.5% in 2023 The United States Congress passed their year-end omnibus legislation last week, which includes a Medicare physician payment cut of 2.5% in 2023. Physicians had been staring down cuts as much as 8.5%, but a nationwide advocacy campaign by the American Medical Association, California Medical Association (CMA) and more than 150 organizations representing over 1 million physicians helped stave off many of the reductions. However, physicians who care for Medicare patients and CMA are very concerned about how the cut will impact patient access to care. “Congress’ plan to cut Medicare demonstrates a lack of understanding ... January 3, 2023 CMA, Medicare 0 0 Comment Read More »
New California Health Laws for 2023 While the legislature passed various new laws impacting health care in California, significant focus was placed on legislation intended to protect physicians and patients in response to the United States Supreme Court decision in Dobbs. The California Medical Association (CMA) published a summary of new laws of interest to physicians that cover reproductive rights, emergency services, healthcare facilities, and more. You can view the PDF HERE. December 12, 2022 Advocacy, CMA, Drug Prescribing/Dispensing, General, Healthcare, Insurance, Medi-Cal, Medicare, Mental Health, Patient Care, Physician Workforce 0 0 Comment Read More »
Senate Passes Legislation to Halt Medicare Physician Payment Cuts Last evening, the Senate passed legislation halt Medicare physician payment cuts that were scheduled to take effect on January 1. President Biden is expected to sign the bill into law. Highlights of the physician payment provisions include: A delay in resuming the 2% Medicare sequester for three months (January 1- March 31, 2022), followed by a reduction to 1% for three months (April 1-June 30, 2022). A one-year increase in the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule of 3% (0.75% less than the conversion factor boost provided for 2021). A one-year delay in the cuts ... December 10, 2021 Advocacy, Medicare Legislation, Medicare, Senate 0 0 Comment Read More »
Senate Must Act Now on Medicare Payment Cuts It’s coming down to the wire. As Congress continues to fight over a number of year-end priorities, time is running out to address the looming Medicare payment cuts that, if not reversed, would have devastating consequences for Medicare patients and our health care system. Tell your Senators to act NOW to protect America’s Medicare patients. On January 1, 2022 the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will drastically reduce payments for certain health care providers. If Congress does not act to stop these cuts before the end of the year, it ... December 8, 2021 Advocacy, legislation, Medicare Congress, Cuts, Medicare, Senate 0 0 Comment Read More »
2022 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) and Quality Payment Program (OPP) Proposed Rule Summary Physician Payment Schedule On July 13, 2021, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the Calendar Year (CY) 2022 Revisions to Payment Policies under the Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) and Other Changes to Part B Payment Policies proposed rule (published in the Federal Register on July 23, 2021 – Docket number CMS-1751-P). In addition, CMS published a fact sheet on the PFS proposed rule highlighting the key provisions. If finalized, the proposed policies in the rule will take effect on January 1, 2022. CMS is requesting that comments ... August 3, 2021 Healthcare, Medicare Medicare, Services, Telehealth 0 0 Comment Read More »