Molecular imaging organization SNM of Reston, VA, has applauded the U.S. Congress' approval of a fix to freeze the sustainable growth rate (SGR) factor at the 2009 rate for physicians.
Congress earlier this month passed a short-term fix that averts a 21.2% cut in physician payments scheduled to go into effect on January 1. SNM cautions that a long-term solution is necessary to address the ongoing SGR problem, however.
"We urge Congress to take action now to implement a long-term formula that adequately addresses the level of demand -- and actual cost of providing these services," said SNM president Dr. Michael Graham, Ph.D. "This is a critical issue facing the medical community, and we need to continue to work together to protect the patients we serve."
Significant cuts in the reimbursement rates for physicians will be postponed until March 1, 2010, under the legislation that Congress passed. In the short term, the fix to the SGR formula will protect cuts to medical care. If a long-term fix is not approved, Medicare funding could be cut by more than 21% next year.
Related Reading
House passes short-term fix to SGR cuts, December 17, 2009
House passes bill to fix SGR formula, November 20, 2009
SNM contests proposed CMS payment rules, November 6, 2009
Societies rally to repeal Medicare SGR formula, October 21, 2009
Groups lobby CMS to pay for second PET scan, October 20, 2009
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