Medicare physician pay is unsustainable and getting worse

Medicare physician pay is unsustainable and getting worse

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have proposed a 3.36% cut to Medicare physician payment in 2024, following a 2% cut in 2023. Simultaneously, physicians are facing up to 9% in Medicare payment penalties under the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS). In response to strong advocacy from organizations like the AMA and organized medicine, physicians now have an opportunity to apply for an “Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances” hardship exception to avoid these penalties, which would apply in 2025 based on the 2023 performance period. However, it’s important to note that this exception is not automatic, and physicians and groups must actively request reweighting of one or more MIPS performance categories due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. To avoid a MIPS penalty in 2025, requesting reweighting of all four MIPS performance categories is necessary, and the deadline for applications is Jan. 2, 2024.

While CMS has proposed these significant cuts to Medicare payments, it has also projected a cost of inflation increase of 4.5% in 2024, as measured by the Medicare Economic Index. This stark contrast could have severe repercussions for physicians and their patients.

The Implications for Healthcare Practices

Another round of Medicare payment cuts, combined with high inflation, could be a devastating blow to many healthcare practices, particularly smaller, independent, and rural practices. The ability to deliver quality care while maintaining financial viability is at stake. It’s imperative for physicians and healthcare providers to explore innovative solutions that can help them navigate these challenging times.

Medvise: Your Ally in Challenging Times

In the face of these financial pressures, healthcare practices need support and solutions that streamline their operations and ensure optimal care for their patients. This is where Medvise.ai comes to the rescue. Medvise offers a range of tools and services that help healthcare providers handle administrative tasks more efficiently, reduce errors, and improve patient care.

  • Efficient Data Entry: Medvise automates data entry, ensuring that essential patient information is accurately recorded, reducing the risk of errors.

  • Accurate Insurance Procedures: With Medvise, physicians can receive guidance on the correct ICD codes, CPT codes, and other insurance-related details, ensuring accuracy in claims submissions.

  • Real-time Support: Medvise provides real-time feedback and guidance to doctors, enabling them to stay up-to-date with the latest information and insurance compliance requirements.

By leveraging the power of Medvise, healthcare practices can better navigate the changing healthcare landscape, optimize their operations, and provide uninterrupted high-quality care to their patients.

As the landscape of healthcare payments continues to evolve, the challenges faced by physicians and healthcare practices persist. However, innovative solutions like Medvise are proving to be invaluable in overcoming these hurdles and ensuring the sustainability of quality healthcare delivery.

Discover how Medvise.ai can assist your healthcare practice during these challenging times. Embrace a future where financial pressures are alleviated, and patient care is optimized. Medvise

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