Many Practices Would Cut Medicare Services Without 'Doc Fix' October 23, 2012 Medicare Medicare Services, SGR, MGMA-ACMPE 0 Forty-five percent of physician group practices say they would reduce appointments for new Medicare beneficiaries if Congress does not take steps to avert scheduled cuts to Medicare physician reimbursement rates, according to a recent MGMA-ACMPE survey. Under the sustainable growth rate formula, physicians face a 27% cut to Medicare reimbursements rates, scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2013. The survey found that: 76% of respondents said they would reduce staff salaries and/or benefits if the cuts are not averted; and 60% said they have delayed purchasing new equipment or facilities over the past decade because of payment instability from short-term fixes to Medicare’s SGR. In a news release, MGMA-ACMPE President and CEO Susan Turney said that the findings show that “physician practices are willing to engage in new Medicare payment and delivery models that reward high-quality, cost-effective patient care outside of fee-for-service.” She added, “Now Congress must do its part, repeal the SGR, and provide stability in Medicare payments so physicians can explore and test new patient-centered approaches.” Source: California Healthline, October 23, 2012. Comments are closed.
