Letter from CMA President Regarding Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) September 12, 2011 Advocacy, CMA, Health Care Reform, Medicare CMA, James Hindsdale, SGR, sustainable growth rate 0 To: Practicing CMA Physician Members Re: Status on advocacy for physicians on repeal of Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) Colleagues: As the year grinds on, with 110 days left, many of you are asking what CMA is doing about stopping the 29% SGR cut scheduled for January 1. I have just come back from a 2 day trip to Washington, D.C., with our federal legislative advocate, Ms. Elizabeth McNeil. This is one of multiple trips Eliabeth and I (and other CMA officers) have made throughout the year. These meetings have included about 21 physicians, comprising large states and specialties. I represented California with Elizabeth. The meetings have been conducted through the AMA structure and have been well organized and focused. Below are important summary points: 1) The best likelihood of success (repeal SGR) will be to place the issue in a comprehensive bill to be presented from both legislative chambers, probably involving the 12-person debt reduction committee--not a “stand alone” bill. 2) The AMA is going to lead with a massive, focused campaign to pressure legislators on this. This will include ads in the media. 3) Physician leaders at all levels of organized medicine will need to be focused, organized, and involved in this. This includes us in CMA. 4) The timing to wage this battle, and win it, is absolutely now. 5) The task is winnable, but $300 billion in “offsets” need to be found. 6) Private contracting, tort reform, and others will be on the table as well. Ms. McNeil has provided invaluable input and influence on our behalf with the most important members of congress. We physicians owe her many thanks. She will update us soon in detail. California’s Xavier Becerra (LA) is on the debt reduction committee and will be a key contact. His spouse, Carolina Reyes, is a well-known physician. I will update more through the county societies as things evolve. I pledge to stay in contact as your President, Sincerely,James G Hinsdale, MD, FACSPresident, California Medical Association Comments are closed.
