Congress One Step Closer to Physician Pay Cut Solution
By: Justin Vaughn, CPC, M.Div
Director of Compliance

**UPDATE as of 12/9/2010**The U.S. House of Representatives has followed the Senate in passing H.R. 4944 (as discussed below), and the president is expected to sign the measure into law.

Late yesterday, the United States Senate passed  a bill that would postpone a 24.9% cut in Medicare reimbursement to physicians for at least one year.  Known as the Medicare and Medicaid Extenders Act of 2010 (H.R. 4944), the bill would extend the current Medicare payment rates through Dec. 31, 2011.  The legislation will now move to the House of Representatives for its consideration.  This is, therefore, not yet a “done deal;” however, the House is expected to take up H.R. 4944 quickly.   

Accordingly, we encourage our clients to immediately contact their elected representatives regarding full passage of this legislation.  The stakes could not be higher, and your active participation may be critical in pushing this bill across the goal line.  Please visit the ASA’s website for ways to contact Congress in this regard.  Thank you!

The information presented herein reflects general information that is current as of the date it was first published.  In light of changes that may occur in the health care regulatory and compliance environments, the author's presentation of this information might become outdated.  Please check with your individual legal and/or compliance advisor(s) prior to taking any significant actions based upon the information and advice presented.