22 Stakeholders Call On Congress To Mitigate 2023 MPFS Cuts

 

Letter points out that payment reductions are compounded by clinical labor pricing update

 

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, a coalition of 22 national medical organizations representing a broad range of specialty providers, sent a letter to congressional leaders asking for action to roll back the proposed reimbursement reductions contained in the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). 

 

As constituted, the MPFS will make drastic cuts to specialty care providers in the office-based setting. The proposed reimbursement reductions come on the heels of stinging cuts over the last several years, including clinical labor cuts of over 20% in 2022, which are being phased in through 2025.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE LETTER

The letter was addressed to the chairs and ranking members of the Senate Finance Committee, House Ways and Means Committee, and House Energy and Commerce Committee. 

The letter states, “Community-based office setting specialty care is a critical part of the nation’s healthcare infrastructure, and we are certain CMS’ reimbursement policy will have repercussions for the future, impacting access and value.”

It continues, “On behalf of the undersigned organizations, a coalition of national medical organizations, representing a broad range of physicians, health professionals and practice managers who care for Medicare beneficiaries in a community-based, office setting, we respectfully urge Congress to begin immediate deliberations to identify and advance policies to mitigate the forthcoming reimbursement cuts. Absent action by Congress, the proposed payment reductions will take effect on January 1, 2023.”

The undersigned organizations stated, “In addition, our members’ payment reductions are compounded by the second year of CMS’ phased in implementation of its clinical labor pricing update, which was finalized in the CY2022 MPFS Final Rule.” 

In response to the proposed cuts, USPA board member and CMO for American Vascular Associates, Dr. Mark Garcia said, “Enough is enough. Since 2006, we have seen a consistent downward trend of cuts to office-based specialists of around 30% on average in the Physician Fee Schedule and the pandemic and record inflation have compounded the damage.  Office-based centers already have been closing in record numbers and further cuts in the PFS only will accelerate this trend and cause higher prices as patients are forced to the hospital setting for care, which can be far more costly and burdensome than the office-based lab. Congress and CMS must stop these cuts to office-based specialists!”

Read more here

###

 

 The mission of USPA is to unify and strengthen the voice of office-based specialists, enabling professionals and patient advocates to work collaboratively with Congress and the Administration to achieve near-term relief and long-term payment stability in the Physician Fee Schedule.  For more information, please click here: https://www.uspaccess.org.