The proposed 2008 physician payment schedule released by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) calls for a 10-percent cut to physician payments for services provided to Medicare patients. The proposed cut to payments takes effect January 1, 2008.

Over the next few days, the Senate and House will attempt to craft legislation that adverts the pending 10-percent cut. It is important that Congress hears from you and your colleagues, patients and staff on this important matter. Please take a few minutes from your schedule to call your representatives and ask them to take action to stop the pending cut to Medicare physician payments before they adjourn for the holidays.

To reach your Senators and Representative, call the American Medical Association’s toll-free Grass Roots Hotline at (800) 833-6354.

Ask your representatives to speak with their respective colleagues and urge them to pass legislation that:

  • Stops the proposed 10-percent cut;
  • Provides positive Medicare physician payment updates in 2008 and beyond; and
  • Does not increase the cost of future payment interventions for physicians.
Please contact Ted Thurn at (708) 492-0930 or tthurn@aasm.org with questions.