A survey of medical groups shows two out of every three practices will limit the number of Medicare patients they treat if the sustainable growth rate (SGR) cut hits their payments on Dec. 1 and Jan. 1. Physicians are making the decision to limit access as pending 23.6% and 6.5% Medicare reimbursement cuts draw near, the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) says.
"This is a situation that must be dealt with immediately when Congress returns after the elections," said MGMA President and CEO William F. Jessee, MD. "Further congressional delays jeopardize patients and the medical practices that serve them."
The survey shows 49.5% of medical groups indicated that they will take the dramatic step of no longer taking on new Medicare patients. A total of 27.5% of respondents said they would cease treating all Medicare patients.
An MGMA press release also states:
- 76.6% of medical groups will likely delay the purchase of new clinical equipment and/or facilities;
- 60.5% will likely reduce the number of administrative support staff;
- 54.0% will likely reduce clinical staff; and
- 45.3% will likely delay purchase of electronic health record systems.