I am pleased to inform you that following your many calls and final action by Congress last night, the President [Obama] has signed legislation postponing the 21.2% Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) cut retroactive to April 1 through May 31. The Senate voted 59-38 to pass the Continuing Extension Act of 2010 (H.R. 4851) after amending the bill to delay the cut through May 31 as opposed to April 30 in the version originally passed by the House. The House moved quickly to concur with the Senate amendment and send the bill to the President by a vote of 289-112.
Due to the delay in congressional action, some claims may have been processed at lower rates. However, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will reprocess any such claims and make payment adjustments based on the new law. Psychologists will not have to resubmit any claims paid at the lower rate.
While we are relieved that the temporary measure will prevent the SGR cut for another month, we continue to press Congress that a permanent solution for patients and providers is needed as soon as possible. In addition to fighting for our other Medicare priorities, which include an extension of the 5% psychotherapy payment restoration through 2011, eligibility for psychotherapy with evaluation and management reimbursement and inclusion in the “physician” definition, we will need your help again in the coming weeks to keep this harmful cut at bay. Thanks for your continuing grassroots support.
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
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