Although physician groups are generally satisfied with legislation that will gradually repeal the sustainable growth rate formula, the groups expressed concern about a provision that would allow non-physicians to operate medical homes.
Last week, the House Energy and Commerce Committee voted 51-0 to approve the bill. It now moves to the full House for consideration. Under the proposal, Medicare physician reimbursements would grow by 0.5% annually over five years. Starting in 2019, Medicare would switch to an enhanced fee-for-service system that would provide physicians with updates and payment incentives based on their performance on certain quality measures.
Some physician groups, like the American Medical Association and American Academy of Family Physicians have taken exception to a provision that would allow both nurse practitioners and physician assistants to operate medical homes without the oversight of a physician. Discussions regarding the bill will continue when Congress returns from their August recess.