AMA on Ways and Means unanimously endorsing budget neutrality reform

Statement attributable to:
Bobby Mukkamala, MD
President, American Medical Association

"Physicians are grateful that the House Ways and Means Committee took a major step in curing a flawed budget policy that results in physicians facing Medicare cuts every year. Without reform, the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule produces a year-end budget mashup that injects uncertainty in physician practices due to the requirement that the fee schedule remain budget neutral. These cuts threaten the viability of practices, especially in rural and underserved communities.

"Members of Congress are hearing from patients and physicians about the availability of quality healthcare. No doubt, that message is resonating; the committee unanimously supported HR 8163 (the Provider Reimbursement Stability Act). The AMA thanks Reps. Greg Murphy, MD (R-NC) and Tom Suozzi (D-NY) for their leadership on this important bipartisan effort. We look forward to working with Congress as this bill moves along. The vote today is an encouraging sign that meaningful budget neutrality reform is possible."