Medicare Pay: Usher Out SGR Formula - For Good

Why This Topic Matters

The article matters because it summarizes a major change in how Medicare physician payment is structured and highlights several other federal provisions that can affect practice planning, reimbursement expectations, and operational readiness.

Article Sections

1. Expect new quality pay plan(s)

   Introduces the shift from the prior Medicare payment approach to a new quality-based framework. It also discusses the overall direction of payment updates and the broader move away from temporary fixes.

2. Expect Pay Initial Pay Boost, New Model

   Describes the initial Medicare payment updates under MACRA and the transition to a new incentive structure. It outlines the consolidation of existing quality and reporting programs and the role of alternate payment models.

3. Prepare for Other Changes

   Summarizes additional MACRA provisions that may affect practices beyond payment reform. Topics include coding implementation timing, premium-related funding changes, geographic payment adjustments, CHIP funding, inpatient status policy, and surgical payment-related reporting changes.