Proposed payment cuts may result in access to care issue for Medicare patients

A recent survey conducted by the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) shows the potential negative impacts of Medicare’s proposed 27% payment cut for 2013.  The cut, a result of the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula, is scheduled to take effect Jan 1, 2013 unless Congress takes action by delaying cuts or repealing the SGR.  

The MGMA survey results included responses from more than 26,000 practicing physicians.  Survey findings include:

• Forty-five percent of respondents indicated that they would reduce appointments for new Medicare beneficiaries if Congress does not intervene to prevent the payment cuts; 
• Seventy-six percent of respondents indicated that if payment cuts are implemented they would reduce staff salaries and/or benefits; and
• Eighteen percent of respondents reported that they are currently participating in new Medicare payment models or pilot projects (including ACOs, bundled payment and shared savings). 

Complete survey results can be found on the MGMA website.