SGR Update: Congress Passes A SGR Fix Bill To Avert Formula Driven Cuts

Why This Topic Matters

The legislation described in the article affected how Medicare physician payment changes were calculated and how multiple incentive and payment programs were structured. It is relevant to providers and revenue cycle staff who track federal reimbursement policy and its downstream impact on emergency medicine and hospital operations.

Article Sections

1. Overview of the legislation and payment changes

   Introduces the Medicare legislation that addressed the SGR formula and its impact on physician reimbursement. Summarizes the broad payment-policy changes discussed in the article.

2. Incentive programs to be combined

   Describes the consolidation of current physician incentive programs into a new performance-based system. Covers the categories used to evaluate performance and the general structure of the payment adjustment.

3. Other key provisions for emergency medicine

   Reviews additional federal payment and coverage provisions discussed as important to emergency medicine. Includes topics affecting geographic payment factors, children’s coverage funding, beneficiary premium adjustments, inpatient payment review timing, surgical package policy, and hospital disproportionate share funding.