Congress will be in recess for the Memorial Day Holiday and during these next two weeks most members plan to be in their districts to meet with you, their constituents. Without Congressional action, Medicare will reduce reimbursement to physicians by 26 percent over the next six years, including a 4.6 percent cut effective January 1, 2007.

The AASM encourages you to schedule a face-to-face meeting with your representative and senator during the recess; AASM staff can schedule an appointment with your legislators. During this time you can also contact your legislator at his/her local office.

Physician reimbursement reductions and Medicare patient service limitations can be prevented with your help. When meeting with your representative or senator please let them know the following:



  • Pass legislation before the November election to increase physician payments by 2.8% in 2007, as recommended by Congress’ own Medicare Payment Advisory Committee
  • Replace the flawed physician payment formula, known as the Sustainable Growth Rate, or SGR, with a formula that reflects increases in physician practice costs.

The AASM has developed Talking Points that can be used as a resource for members to communicate the importance of fixing the reimbursement rates for physicians in order to ensure quality care for their constituents. We encourage you to use the talking points when speaking with your Congressional representatives.



It is imperative that you contact your representative and senator’s. Your representative and senators are currently in their district to meet with you. If you have any questions, or wish to have someone from the AASM schedule a meeting for you with your representative please contact Mike White at (708) 492-0930 or at mwhite@aasm.org.