On Feb. 1, 2012, North American Spine Society sent a letter to House of Representatives member Allyson Schwartz with comments on the Medicare Physician Payment Innovation Act.
The letter discusses issues with the Sustainable Growth Rate and proposes any revisions to these rates takes all members of the healthcare delivery process into account. "Any system used to replace the flawed SGR formula should aim to achieve savings in a balanced way from as many sources of Medicare expenditures as possible," the letter says. "In that way, physicians, non-physician providers, hospitals, nursing homes, DME providers, insurers, drug manufacturer and imaging services will all share in the burden of reducing costs."
The letter also mentions the looming physician shortage among specialists — not just primary care physicians — and suggests that in some complex cases specialists would be best suited to oversee care management. Finally, the letter addresses fee-for-service, recognizing its benefit in some situations.
"NASS believes that the continued sole reliance upon fee-for-service care may well not be the best approach for all beneficiaries, providers or circumstances. However, fee-for –service may remain the most appropriate method of care in some circumstances."
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The letter also mentions the looming physician shortage among specialists — not just primary care physicians — and suggests that in some complex cases specialists would be best suited to oversee care management. Finally, the letter addresses fee-for-service, recognizing its benefit in some situations.
"NASS believes that the continued sole reliance upon fee-for-service care may well not be the best approach for all beneficiaries, providers or circumstances. However, fee-for –service may remain the most appropriate method of care in some circumstances."
More Articles on Spine Surgery:
20 Surgeon Leaders in Independent Spine & Neurosurgical Groups
SMISS Names Dr. D. Greg Anderson 2012 President
5 Tips for Spine Center Marketing & Business Development