AANS/CNS Washington Committee Chair Featured in Articles about Medicare Payment Cuts

On Oct. 15, John K. Ratliff, MD, FAANS, chair of the AANS/CNS Washington Committee, was featured in a Becker’s ASC Review article titled, “As 9%+ Physician Pay Cut Looms, Congress Urged to Take Action.” The article discussed a letter led by Reps. Ami Bera, MD, (D-Calif.), and Larry Bucshon, MD, (R-Ind.) and signed by 247 bipartisan members of Congress calling for systemic changes to the Medicare payment system. “Such an overwhelming showing on this letter to House leaders clearly demonstrates significant bipartisan support for Congress to act this year to protect Medicare beneficiaries’ timely access to care,” according to Dr. Ratliff.

In addition, on Nov. 2, Dr. Ratliff was featured in a Modern Healthcare article titled, “CMS to Boost Pay for Home Health, Hospital Outpatient Services.” The report noted that CMS is boosting payment for hospital outpatient services and home health and reducing reimbursement for physicians next year. Hospital-owned outpatient and ambulatory surgery center payment rates will increase by 2%, and Medicare home health reimbursement rates will increase by 2.6%. Meanwhile, regulators are reducing Medicare payments to physicians by nearly 9% next year. “Amid the ongoing pandemic, it’s critical now more than ever, to protect patients by stopping these cuts and working toward a long-term solution to stabilize the health care system,” said Dr. Ratliff.

Finally, on Nov. 3, Dr. Ratliff was featured in a Radiology Business article titled, “Final Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Offers Positives, But Still ‘Disappointing’ Cuts to Radiologist Pay.” The article discussed the final 2022 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and noted that physicians across specialties are asking Congress to intervene, as lawmakers did in late 2020. “Patients have already delayed important preventative care like cancer screenings due to COVID-19. These cuts will further delay care to our nation’s seniors,” said Dr. Ratliff.