From: Scott Tenner [Scott.Tenner@downstate.edu]
Sent: Thursday, July 10, 2008 10:46 AM
To: DrTenner@BrooklynGI.com
Subject: NYSGE UPDATE: GOOD NEWS, BAD NEWS FROM WASHINGTON
By now, most of you know that yesterday, Senator
Kennedy made a suprise visit to the Senate just in time to rally support for
overwhelming (potentially veto proof) passage of the Medicare
Reconcilliation Act that would prevent the 10.6 % Medicare cut to physician
payment. This is the same Bill passed by the House of Representatives
two weeks ago (eg Rangel Bill) subsequently rejected by the Senate (Baucus
Bill). With no doubt, Democrats have clearly shown support and leadership
on assisting physicians on this issue (especially our NY delegation: Clinton,
Schumer, and most NY Congressman, including NY Republicans).
As this Bill prevents Doctors from
being cut at the expense of Corporate Profit (eg Medicare Advantage (HMO)
Cuts), there have been reports of a presidential veto. Although one
might conclude that the overwhelming passage in both the House and Senate
would prevent a Veto, President Bush, who has been rigid on this
issue, may force congress to perform a formal over-ride of the Veto
thus delaying passage into law and thus delaying payments to physicians (as
of now, all Medicare payments to physicians are on Hold). As the
passage in the Senate appears to have been a well orchestrated emotional
movement with Kennedy's appearance by the Democrats (under the Direction of
Sen. Harry Reid), the Republicans and President may still try to stop this Bill
(emotions are short lived in Washington).
Although I am optimistic, the next several days will
unfold the fate of this Medicare Bill . . .
Regarding our other GI Specific Issues, Screen for
Life Act (increasing payments for Colonoscopy, Correction of Site of Service
Differential, payment for the pre-screening visit) and ASC Reform (due to go
into effect over the next 3 years), we will not likely have any movement this
year.
As the House and Senate Bill do not differ
significantly, the Bill will not likely sit in committee. Even if our
congressional supporters would want to add our GI Specific Provisions, there
will not likely be such a forum (eg time in Committee for additions).
However, we must continue to work with our
legislators over the next year. Health Care Reform, especially Medicare-
SGR reform, will likely occur over the next two years. Although
avoiding a 10.6 percent cut to physicians should be considered a great
victory, 2009 will be a much more likely year to effect GI specific
issues. We must continue to work with the ACG, ASGE, and AGA, and our
legislative champions.
As always, please feel free to contact me if there
are any questions.
- Scott
Scott
Tenner, M.D., M.P.H.
President, NYSGE
Chair,
National Affairs Committee NYSGE
516-316-0830