The U.S. Congress voted to stop the Medicare physician payment cuts slated for 2007 on December 8, 2006. In addition, the bill also includes a 1.5% increase in reimbursement for voluntary reporting of quality measures. The Medicare pay package was added onto a tax and trade bill (HR 6111).

Thanks to millions of patients and physicians including numerous letters from ASIPP this action has been taken. We would like to thank all the members of ASIPP and patients who have supported the issue. The fight was lead by AMA, state medical societies, multiple specialty societies and component societies including ASIPP and its component societies.

We may not see the reversal of the cut immediately in January however, it will be adjusted eventually once the bill is signed into law and CMS works on it. While we continue to fight for future cuts we ask that you take the time to send out a thank-you letter to the senators and representatives who responded to our calls and letters. Go to Capwiz.com to send your letter.

To illustrate the impact of this reversal, click on the following link for the fee schedule with and without cuts. Physician Fee Schedule .

Thank you all again,

Laxmaiah Manchikanti, MD

Chief Executive Officer, ASIPP