The ISMA has joined the AMA and more than 100 other state and specialty medical societies in a letter to congressional leaders, warning that Medicare payment policies for 2023 will create financial instability for physician practices.

“The American Medical Association and undersigned national specialty and state medical societies representing the vast majority of physicians practicing in the United States continue to be deeply alarmed about the mounting financial instability of the Medicare physician payment system,” the letter began.
  
“This instability is being driven by a confluence of fiscal uncertainties physician practices face related to statutory payment cuts, perennial lack of inflationary updates, significant administrative barriers and the cumulative impact of the pandemic. The Medicare payment system remains on an unsustainable path, threatening beneficiaries’ access to physicians.”

The letter, which was sent Sept. 22, asked Congress to take the following actions before scheduled Medicare payment cuts take effect next year:

• Provide relief from the scheduled -4.42% budget neutrality cut in Medicare physician fee schedule payments.
• End the statutory annual freeze and provide a Medicare Economic Index (MEI) update for the coming year.
• Extend the 5% Advanced Alternative Payment Model (AAPM) participation incentive and halt the impossible-to-meet revenue threshold increase for five years to encourage more physicians to transition from fee-for-service into APMs.
• Waive the 4% PAYGO sequester triggered by passage of the American Rescue Plan Act.

In conclusion, the letter stated, “We appreciate your consideration and look forward to working with you and your colleagues to end the destructive cycle of annual Medicare cuts and to establish a permanent Medicare payment system that improves and preserves patient access to physician care.”

A copy of the letter is available >>

Learn more about the Medicare payment system and AMA’s efforts to bring reforms >>