Medicare Fee Cuts in Action Limbo Again!

As previously encountered and projected, the government managed to leave Washington D.C. without fixing, extending, or repealing the 21.5% Medicare pay cut to physicians.  amednews.com is saying that Medicare is again delaying claims processing, hoping for an intercession until April 14.  They also mention that President Obama is trying to fill a CMS administrator position that has been vacant since 2006, in an effort to keep better tabs on things like this in the future.

In a quote from AMA (American Medical Association) President, J. James Rohack, MD: "One month ago when Congress delayed this year’s 21 percent cut to April 1, we urged them to use this time wisely to repeal the payment formula that projects these cuts.  It is unconscionable for elected officials to play politics with seniors and military families who rely on them to preserve their ability to see the physician of their choice.  Seniors, military families and their physicians need to let their members of Congress know that decisions made in Washington have real-world consequences, and that their inability to take permanent action on this critical issue is unacceptable."

So much for healthcare reform.  Hang in there doctors, work with your associations, and make sure that your Medicare billing is good to go when they are.

For more information:
A great article by American Medical News
More info and quotes from the AMA (American Medical Association)