Don't Count on SGR Reform This Year

Physicians' groups offer payment models
Both the AMA and the Medical Group Management Association Medical Group Management Association  have offered the House Ways and Means Committee similar payment models to consider that would advance payment reform.

In her letter, MGMA President/CEO Susan Turney, MD, said she supported "looking at various payment reform models, and the MGMA supports the testing of new models that promote integrated care delivery and encourage cost-effective medical treatment" Options for evaluation include bundled payments, partial capitation, accountable care organizations, medical homes and "other hybrid approaches that couple fee for service payments with a risk based bonus opportunity," she adds.

But "first and foremost," Turney wrote, Congress must act to permanently "repeal the flawed SGR formula used to annually update Medicare physician payment rates."  In the process, Congress should test other payment and delivery models, she added. "Physicians should have the flexibility to adopt different approaches based on their composition, capabilities and community needs."

That all sounds fine. Whether the House Ways and Means Committee does anything remains to be seen.

A year ago last May, the House Energy and Commerce Committee's subcommittee on health conducted a hearing, "The Need to Move Beyond the SGR."

"The committee sent a similar letter last spring (to that of the House Ways and Means Committee, soliciting physician input)" says a healthcare organization official. "And nothing happened."

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