Healthcare groups have one month to avert 2% Medicare cuts

With the 2 percent reductions in Medicare reimbursement rates to begin April 1, healthcare providers are hoping to use the one-month window to head off the Medicare sequestration cuts, which the White House says could total $11 billion in reimbursements.

For instance, the American Hospital Association on Tuesday sent representatives to Capitol Hill in person and via webcast to urge lawmakers to protect Medicare payments and, by extension, patient care.

"We can't take any more cuts to hospital payments," AHA President and CEO Rich Umbdenstock told participants, according to an AHA statement. After the briefing, hospital leaders drove home their arguments in meetings with lawmakers and their staffs.

Public outcry also could help motivate a last minute deal and help healthcare providers avoid the Medicare payments cuts, according to healthcare advocates, California Healthline notes.

With that in mind, professional medical groups ranging from anesthesiologists to radiologists also have advocated against the cuts.

For more information:
-read the AHA statement
-here's the California Healthline article