On Thursday the U.S. House passed HR 4691, legislation that extends a number of expiring programs for 30 days, including current Medicare physician payment rates. The Senate unsuccessfully attempted to pass similar legislation by unanimous consent on Friday morning. The Senate has now adjourned for the weekend, so the 21% Medicare physician payment cut will be effective on Monday, March 1st.
With a 21.2% decrease in Medicare physician reimbursement looming, the NCMS Resource Center has received numerous calls about the options available to physicians regarding Medicare participation.
