In previous years the American Medical Association has been able to stave off cuts in physician reimbursement rates by lobbying Congress. This year, however, things appear to be playing out a little differently. Fiscal pressures in Washington are making a compromise a lot less likely, according to observers. For its part the AMA is warning that the scheduled 4.4 percent cut in Medicare Part B reimbursement to physicians could lead to a strong reaction. The physician's lobby released a survey which said that 38 percent of its member physicians would cut back on new Medicare patients 18 percent would drop existing patients as a result. The group is also extremely displeased with the Administration's plans to promote pay for performance.
- see this article from MedPage