Lawmakers Nearing SGR Deal

Although a deal is not yet final, aides say the general framework is likely to include a 10-month straight extension of the current Medicare payment rate to physicians. The agreement is also likely to extend certain Medicare programs, but on the condition that there be greater reporting and accountability of those programs from the CMS, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission and the Government Accountability Office.

Source: Modern Healthcare

Federal lawmakers on Tuesday evening inched closer to an agreement on a short-term solution to Medicare's sustainable growth-rate formula for physicians. If Congress does not act by Feb. 29, doctors who participate in the federal healthcare program will face a 27.4% cut in their Medicare reimbursement.