News
February 25, 2010
Congress continues to debate short-term SGR patch (from AMA alert)
There have been several developments regarding Medicare’s sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula during the past two days that require some clarification.Last night, the U.S. Senate passed H.R. 3961, which in its original form was the U.S. House of Representatives vehicle that repealed the SGR. However, the Senate used the bill as a shell to move a one-year extension of the Patriot Act, so H.R. 3961 as passed by the Senate has nothing to do with the SGR.
Also last night, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., attempted to pass by unanimous consent the Temporary Extension Act of 2010. This package extends several expiring provisions, including stopping cuts under the SGR, unemployment insurance and COBRA for 30 days. Most of the $10 billion cost of the bill was designated as emergency spending and not offset. The SGR provision did not require an offset under "pay-as-you-go," or pay-go, rules. Sen. Jim Bunning, R-Ky., objected and attempted to move a similar bill that was paid for with a reduction in stimulus money. Sen. Reid noted that he had offered to hold a separate vote on paying for the bill. However, Sen. Bunning objected, insisting that the "pay-for" be included rather than be subject to a separate vote.
Negotiations on the 30-day extension are continuing today. The House may also move the 30-day extension today under suspension of the rules. That vote will require two-thirds support for approval.
Finally, the Senate plans to move a broader package of tax and other extenders next week. That bill is expected to contain the seven-month SGR extension that was stripped from the Senate jobs bill that passed earlier this week. The AMA does not support temporary extensions of the SGR and continues to insist that Congress repeal the current formula once and for all.
October 21, 2009
Senate Fails to Advance Bill to Repeal Medicare SGR
read more from the CMA here. Read the voting stats here. Interestingly, here is a website encouraging a no vote on S.1776.
October 15, 2009
The CMA (Elizabeth McNeil, VP Federal Government Relations) sent the following message from the AMA:
Senator Stabenow has introduced legislation to repeal the Medicare SGR and eliminate all future payment cuts. Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid, has fastracked the bill to the Senate floor. They will need the crucial 60 votes to obtain passage. It will be controversial because it increases the deficit by at least $240 billion and it not paid for. The Health Reform Conferees will work on a new payment system to replace the SGR. That piece is NOT in the Stabenow bill. As you know, CMA initiated a key contact to both Senators Feinstein and Boxer yesterday. I spoke to both Senator Feinstein and Boxer's offices today and both Senators will support the bill.
CMA appreciates all of your help and support with our Senators.
Finally, Senator Feinstein continues to work on helping us kill the value index that reduces payments to physicians and therefore, access to care for patients in poor, minority communities. CMA has formed a coalition with several other state medical associations, including Nevada, because Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid hails from Nevada, to eliminate the value index.
We are improving the Senate health reform legislation.
The House Leaders also remain committed to rebasing the SGR as well and will vote on a separate SGR bill in the very near future.
October 14, 2009
The CMA released on October 7, 2009 a Blue Cross Tool Kit to help deal with the recent changes to the fee schedule titled: Anthem Blue Cross Important Changes: What They Mean to Your Practice. To access this document login to the CMA members only website - click here. To register access to the CMA member site then click here.
September 10, 2009
Blue Cross has released the fee schedule for 1/1/2010. Anthem Blue Cross is again decreasing reimbursements as much as 50% on some codes while increasing 99213 0.9%. You may find the updated fee schedule here. This file contains all the codes. Compare to previous reimbursements and you will see the difference. It is possible if you have a previously negotiated fee schedule with Blue Cross that this new schedule may not affect you. The name of the San Benito County Regional Wellpoint contact is Joy Smith - her email address is Joy.Smith@wellpoint.com. Please write letters. The San Benito County Medical Society is formulating a letter to House Representative, Sam Farr, and State Assemblywoman, Ana Caballero as I receive information from you if you are affected by the new fee schedule.
August 19, 2009
CMA sends letter to Congress weighing in on HR3200 Healthcare bill.
Read the opening letter and click on the link
July 31, 2009
Hot Spot on Lyme Disease- click here for more information on Diagnosis and management of Lyme Disease
June 24, 2009
Healthy Lifestyle Handouts for your patients. English/Spanish
June 12,2009
GPCI legislature introduced - includes San Benito County click here
May 26, 2009
The Built Environment: Designing Communities to Promote Physical Activity in Children click here
April 17, 2009
Farr to introduce Medicare bill to fix underpayment to doctors click here
February 25, 2009
Federal stimulus dollars to reach Medi-Cal tomorrow Click here for details
February 25, 2009
CNN- Obama calls for healthcare reform in 2009
February 25, 2009
Sacramento Bee- doctors are slow to try electronic prescribing
March 6, 2008
Hazel Hawkins Hospital breaks ground on new ER and the 3 story administrative building.
