Physicians are facing a fifth consecutive year of Medicare payment reductions due to policy adjustments and budget neutrality requirements in the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. To address the issue, the SVS, in collaboration with congressional leaders and other physician organizations, advocates for a sustainable solution to protect medical practices and ensure patient access to care.
The push for reform has led to the introduction of the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act of 2024 (H.R. 10073). The bipartisan bill proposes a two-part solution: eliminating the scheduled payment cuts and providing an additional adjustment equal to 50% of the Medicare Economic Index (MEI). Together, these measures would deliver a 4.73% positive payment update for physicians in 2025.
The legislation follows months of advocacy, including a “Dear Colleague” letter signed by 233 members of Congress urging action to stabilize physician payment structures. The letter underscores the need for reforms to ensure physicians can deliver high-quality care to Medicare beneficiaries without financial hardship.
With H.R. 10073 now introduced, the SVS is urging its members to take action. Physicians are encouraged to reach out to lawmakers and advocate for two key steps: cosponsoring H.R. 10073, the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act, and pressuring congressional leaders to include the legislation in year-end policy negotiations.
If passed, H.R. 10073 could signal a significant shift in Medicare reimbursement policy, ensuring payment structures align with inflation and the realities of modern practice, providing stability for physicians and patients alike.
SVS members can send alerts to legislators through the SVS Grassroots Advocacy Center or by visiting vascular.org/Grassroots.
