Pay fix likely for 2007; no long-term plan in sight

Why This Topic Matters

Medicare physician payment policy affects reimbursement planning, practice finances, and advocacy priorities for medical groups and specialty societies. The article helps readers understand the near-term legislative outlook and the broader uncertainty around longer-term payment system changes.

Article Sections

1. Congressional outlook for the 2007 payment update

   Summarizes the expected legislative response to the proposed 2007 Medicare physician payment change and the timing of congressional action.

2. Debate over temporary fixes and payment reform

   Reviews differing views on short-term relief, longer-term physician payment reform, and the role of quality reporting and performance-based payment concepts.

3. Lobbying and legislative activity

   Describes advocacy efforts by physician organizations, congressional letters, hearings, and related bills discussed in connection with the payment update.

4. Recent roller coaster history of annual physician fee update

   Presents a year-by-year historical summary of estimated and actual physician fee updates and congressional action over multiple years.