The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) praised members of Congress following a decision to mitigate the physician payment cuts detailed in the 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule. The new funding legislation would reduce the payment cuts from 3.4% to 1.68%; however, since 2001, Medicare physicians have seen a 30% decline in their payments. The ACR called on policymakers to pass long-term legislation to reform the Medicare payment system and protect access to quality care among patients with rheumatic diseases. “The annual recurrence of [Medicare Physician Fee Schedule] cuts underscores the urgent need for comprehensive health-care reform. The [ACR] urges Congress to prioritize sustainable solutions, ensuring … access to essential services and fair reimbursement for health-care providers,” concluded Deborah Dyett Desir, MD, President of the ACR.
March 28, 2024