The Behavioral Medicine Report

At the urging of the APA Practice Organization (APAPO) and other provider groups, late last night the Senate voted 78-19 to pass legislation (H.R. 4691) to postpone the 21.2% Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) cut through March 31 as Congress considers longer term solutions. The bill passed the House by voice vote on February 25 and now heads to the President for his signature. This action will prevent SGR reductions to reimbursements through the end of March. (read the full story)

On February 25, the House passed legislation (H.R. 4691) to postpone the 21.2% Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) cut for 30 days as Congress weighs longer term solutions. Over the past twenty-four hours, Senate leadership has sought unanimous consent to pass the measure, but has been blocked due to an objection from Senator Jim Bunning (R-KY). The SGR cut was postponed for two months late last year but is now expected to take effect on March 1, as the Senate has recessed for the weekend. (continue reading)

As the fight for health care reform continues on Capitol Hill, we wanted to take a moment to update you on the APA Practice Organization’s efforts toward improving Medicare payments for practicing psychologists. At this time, the political situation on Capitol Hill remains very fluid. Following the loss of their super-majority in the Senate, Democratic leaders are reassessing their strategies on health care reform and a host of other issues. With much at stake for psychologists, their patients and their profession, we remain committed to health care reform. (continue reading)

Jeff Cook from The American Psychological Association Practice Organization (APAPO) released a urgent message for psychologists. The 2010 State Leadership Conference (SLC) is right around the corner (March 6-9), which means it is time to schedule Capitol Hill visits with members of your Congressional delegation. Each year, thanks to your hard work, there are more than 300 Congressional visits scheduled during SLC. This is annually an enormous boost to our federal advocacy effort. Check the end of this report to download: Sample Letter To Meet, APAPO Hill Appointment Schedule forms, and Key Members of Congress forms. (continue reading)

As most everyone knows, the Senate and House of Representatives passed healthcare legislation that dramatically affects how health-care is delivered in the United States. The Senate version of the bill is “The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act,” while the House of Representatives is “The Affordable Health Care for America Act.” You will need to set aside time – much time – to read these lengthy 2000 page (each) documents. You might even want to have an attorney handy to decipher these sometimes incomprehensible documents. Check the end of this article for links to download a PDF of each bill and to read my first public comments. (more…)

Busy month for Medicare/Medicaid related news. The American Psychological Association (APA) released a new action alert in regard to a delayed Sustainable Growth Rate cut with a request for clinicians to contact their Congress person. Check the end of the report for a link to contact your representative as well as a suggested letter. Previous important updates this month include 2010 Medicare Payment Changes: Questions and Answers, Update on Impact of Medicare Payment Changes in 2010, and Update on 2010 Medicare Fee Schedules (12-16-09). (more…)