Congress approves measure averting 27 percent physician cut through 2012

February 17th, 2012

The House and Senate have both voted to approve legislation preventing the scheduled 27.4% SGR related cut from taking effect on March 1.  The legislation goes to the President who has indicated that he will sign the bill.

Physician Payment Rates - This provision prevents a 27.4 percent cut in Medicare physician payment rates slated to begin on March 1, 2012, and instead freezes payment rates at their current level though December 31, 2012.  This provision also requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and HHS to submit reports to assist Congress in the development of a long-term replacement to the current Medicare physician payment system.

Source HBMA