American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians

Medicare Cuts Will Happen, Senate May Address Again Soon

As a result of the Senate failing to achieve cloture and being unable to take action on legislation last week on "Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008" (H.R. 6331), the 10.6 percent cut in Medicare physician payments will go into effect for all service provided beginning July 1, 2008. The final vote was 58-40 with nine Republicans voting 'Yes.' The Senate vote came two days after the House of Representatives approved the same legislation by an overwhelming bipartisan majority of 355-59.

Congress returns the week of July 7 and if the Senate votes to take action and approves H.R. 6331, the legislation will avert the cuts retroactive to July 1.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have instructed its carriers not to process any physician or non-physician practitioner claims submitted for service performed during the first 14 business days of July. This means that no payments reflecting the 10.6 percent pay reduction will occur before July 15, at the earliest. By instructing carriers to withhold from processing claims, the action may save CMS and its carriers some administrative costs associated with reprocessing claims if Congress acts promptly after the recess to stop the cut.

This action does not represent any significant change in policy nor does it have any impact on payments made for physician claims submitted for services provided after July 1.

The AOA and ACOFP continue to urge the U.S. Senate to pass legislation upon their return on July 7. All osteopathic physicians are urged to call their Senators, and have their families and patients call their Senators and tell them to pass the "Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008" (H.R. 6331).

A lack of action affects not only all of our Medicare patient’s access to health care, but all military families who depend on TriCare and may affect multiple third party insurance contacts that are pegged to Medicare reimbursement rates as well in the next few weeks and months.

New Resource! ACOFP Intensive Update and Board Review in Osteopathic Family Medicine

Keep current with the changes in the practice of osteopathic family medicine through ACOFP’s new CD educational program! This three-disk CD set provides a comprehensive overview of the most important topics in contemporary family medicine. The content is based on ACOFP's 2007 Intensive Update & Board Review. This three-disk CD set is available for $385 to ACOFP members, and $535 to non-members, which includes a six month ACOFP Membership. This program has been approval for 16 American Osteopathic Association Category 1-B CME credits.

Looking for that perfect fit? Introducing ACOFP’s new, interactive, online job board, ACOFP CareerCenter. ACOFP CareerCenter is your resource for making online employment connections in the fields of osteopathic medicine.

To find a job or fill a position, visit ACOFP CareerCenter today.

New Buyer’s Guide for ACOFP Members

ACOFP has partnered with Multiview, Inc. to launch an online ACOFP Buyers Guide. This unique directory enables ACOFP members to locate medical products and services. The ACOFP Buyers Guide also includes a Request for Proposal (RFP) tool, allowing ACOFP members to contact a group of suppliers with one click of a button.

Find this service online at http://www.acofpbuyersguide.com

ACOFP/AOA 113th Annual Convention & Scientific Seminar
October 26-30, 2008
Las Vegas, NV

ACOFP 46th Annual Convention & Exhibition
March 4-8, 2009
Washington D.C.