Physician reimbursement is constantly under threat, as physicians face regular fee cuts from the federal government, which consequently impacts reimbursement within the commercial market.
Unlike other healthcare providers, the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) does not receive annual payment updates based on an inflationary index, such as the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This has created an ever-growing disconnect between the cost of providing care to Medicare beneficiaries and the program’s reimbursement for that care. According to the American Medical Association, when adjusted for medical practice cost inflation, Medicare physician payments have declined by 29% since 2001. To make matters worse, physicians also face cuts from budget neutrality and Medicare sequestration – causing almost double-digit reductions for many physicians.
The Coalition of State Rheumatology Organizations (CSRO) is a vocal advocate for physician payment reform and urges CSRO urges Congress to enact solutions that stabilize Medicare physician payments by: stopping recurring Medicare cuts; providing an annual inflation update equal to the Medicare Economic Index (MEI); and updating the budget neutrality threshold to allow for greater flexibility in determining physician pricing adjustments for services without leading to harmful payment cuts. CSRO is also a member of the Alliance of Specialty Medicine, which has been a vocal advocate for advancing this legislation.
Contact your elected officials through CSRO's Action Center and make your voice heard.
