The year 2015 brought the end of the much-maligned Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR), sometimes known as the “doc fix.” The SGR established limits on Medicare reimbursement for physicians, and each year, physicians and those lobbying on their behalf were forced to stave off drastic cuts to their payments. “The SGR was Congress’s attempt to control…
Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015: What You Should Know
There is no denying that the past few years have been a time of immense change in healthcare. Sweeping pieces of legislation have fundamentally altered the way we practice medicine. This is absolutely the case when it comes to the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA, for short). MACRA is an enormous…
Congress Can Begin Work to Advance Rheumatology Before New Year
Medicare Advantage plans, specialty tier drug spending, SGR repeal, biomedical research funding issues on lawmakers’ plates
Update on Legislation, Advocacy Efforts to Advance Rheumatology
Status of progess to fix sustainable growth rate physician formula, other rheumatology-related issues facing Congress
ACR Aims to Keep Rheumatology on Congressional Radar in 2014
Ongoing advocacy by the ACR will target repealing SGR legislation, halting the implementation of ICD-10 coding and billing changes, and enlisting support for the Patients’ Access to Treatments Act
President’s Perspective: ACR Addresses Reform of Sustainable Growth Rate Formula
The College’s multi-pronged plan to replace flawed SGR payment system requires continued support from rheumatologists, healthcare professionals
Continued Congressional Lobbying by ACR Volunteers Needed to Repeal SGR
Ways you can advocate for legislation to replace the Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate formula
SGR Fix Finally on the Horizon?
By a 51–0 vote, the House Energy and Commerce Committee in July passed H.R. 2810, legislation that would repeal the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula. (posted Sept. 9, 2013)
Much at Stake for Rheumatology in Lame Duck Session of Congress
Massive mandatory spending cuts—including a near 30% cut to Medicare physician reimbursement—are scheduled to go into effect in January
Why We Are Advocates
Rheumatology advocacy efforts are paying off in 2012.