Dear Doctor, "They're just kicking your Medicare fees further down the road."

Attached to a bill that extends unemployment, certain other benefits and subsidies for another month is a reprieve* to this October on a threatened 21% cut in Medicare physician reimbursement.  Thus, Congress again has failed to address a known flaw in the Medicare rate setting formula--the annual planned rate reduction that is deferred yearly at the last minute. 

This year, the rescue, agreed to by Democrats, Republicans and the White house became captive to the antics of the health reform debate. Why? It is clearly understood that such a cut would be disruptive, resulting in massive reductions in the availability of Medicare par physicians, and access for the elderly (who vote in droves).

Docs--Feel Secure Yet?

*  "Senate Delays Medicare Pay Cut Until October 1, 2010"  [Medscape]

If the House concurs and President Obama signs the measure into law, it will be the third time in 4 months that lawmakers have postponed the reduction