Drug Cost Removal from the SGR Considered

Article Overview

This article covers incoming CMS administrator Mark McClellan’s Senate confirmation-related comments on whether drug supply costs could be removed from the sustainable growth rate formula used in Medicare Part B physician payment calculations. It also notes related CMS policy questions raised by senators, including carrier medical director staffing, wheelchair prescribing criteria, and demonstration projects under the MMA. The piece is relevant to physicians, coders, reimbursement staff, and policy readers tracking Medicare payment administration and CMS oversight.