Summary
Doctors are concerned about a proposed change to Medicare payments that could reduce the money they receive for many medical services. This change involves a new fee schedule with an efficiency adjustment that lowers payments, despite a base rate increase. Many doctors fear the cuts could lead to reduced patient care or force some doctors to retire.
Key Facts
- Medicare's proposed fee schedule for next year includes a 2.5% base rate increase.
- An efficiency adjustment will cut payments by 2.5% for thousands of procedures.
- Nearly 70 million Americans use Medicare for their health insurance.
- Doctors have submitted many comments criticizing the proposed changes.
- If implemented, 37% of oncologists might face cuts between 10% and 20%.
- About 80% of infectious disease doctors could see a 5% or more pay reduction.
- The American Medical Association says the cuts will affect over 7,000 services.
- Medicare reimbursements have already decreased by 33% from 2001 to 2025.
