The Behavioral Medicine Report

I am pleased to report that Congress has finally sent legislation to the President to postpone the 21.3% Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) cut retroactive to June 1 and through November 30, 2010.  The House approved the stand-alone bill (HR 3962) by an overwhelming vote of 417-1.  The roll call will be made available at http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2010/roll393.xml.  The measure previously passed the Senate unanimously and is likely to be signed by the President.

This would not have happened without the persistent advocacy of practicing psychologists across the country who kept the pressure on their Senators and Representatives to take immediate action through more than 8,000 emails and many more calls.

While this development is clearly welcome news for providers facing the risk of lower reimbursements, unfortunately our fight isn’t over.  Together we must continue to press Congress in the months ahead for a fair, permanent solution that psychologists and their patients need and deserve.  Thanks for your hard work on this critical priority.

Jeff Cook, J.D.
Director of Field & State Operations
American Psychological Association Practice Organization
750 First Street, NE Washington, DC 20002
(202) 336-5875 (Office)
(202) 336-5797 (Fax)
jco…@apa.org (click to verify and reveal email)

Republished with permission: APAPO

1. Updates On The Sustainable Growth Rate Vote (06/24/10)
2. Update On Legislative Action On The Sustainable Growth Rate (02/26/10)
3. Congress Recesses Without Action On The Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR)
4. 21 Percent Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) Cut Postponed Until June 2010
5. Senate Moves Forward On Temporary Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate Measure