ACR representatives outlined its 2025 legislative priorities, including fixing the MPFS, reforming prior authorization & protecting telehealth reimbursement.
Rheumatologist Elected to Key AMA Committee That Helps CMS Set Medicare Reimbursements
Luke Barré, MD, MPH, RhMSUS, has been elected to the American Medical Association’s Relative Value Update Committee. He is the second rheumatologist to hold the seat in recent years and will ensure representation of the specialty during valuation of physician services.
The ACR Commends Legislation to Address Harmful Medicare Payment Cuts to Physicians
The Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act of 2025 would fully offset the harmful 2.8% cut in the MPFS and include an additional 2% payment update to physician services furnished after April 1.
Unless Congress Acts, Medicare Reimbursement Will Remain Flat or Drop in 2025
The 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule final rule, released Nov. 1, includes a conversion factor of $32.3465, a 2.83% drop from 2024. In response to advocacy efforts from the ACR and other medical societies, Congress recently introduced the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act of 2024, which would eliminate the 2.83% payment cut and provide an inflationary update for 2025 equal to 50% of the Medicare Economic Index.
The ACR Joins Members of Congress in Call for Medicare Reimbursement Reform
A letter from 233 bipartisan members of Congress last week urged House leadership to replace the 2.8% cut proposed in the FY2025 Physician Fee Schedule with an annual payment update reflective of inflationary pressures before the end of the year. Boost this effort by contacting your legislator today.
Summary of Notable Provisions in CY 2025 Medicare PFS Proposed Rule
The ACR will provide comments on several provisions related to Medicare physician payment and the Quality Payment Program.
The ACR’s Top Legislative Priority: Reforming Medicare Reimbursement
The ACR is encouraged that lawmakers are discussing Medicare physician payment reform and continues to work to educate lawmakers about the importance of both short- and long-term policy solutions. Support grassroots efforts by messaging your lawmakers today.
ACR Successfully Leads Coalition in AMA House of Delegates to Support Higher Pediatric Specialist Compensation
An ACR-led resolution that calls for Medicaid payment parity for pediatric specialists will become AMA policy.
A Fellow’s Experience at Advocacy 101
Rheumatology fellow Audrey Liu, MD, describes the excitement and empowerment of seeing first-hand the real-world impact of advocating for policies that support providers and patients.
ACR Hill Day Participants Urge Congress to Reform Medicare Reimbursement
On May 6–7, nearly 100 rheumatologists and rheumatology professionals converged in Washington, D.C., for the ACR’s annual Advocacy Leadership Conference and 137 meetings on Capitol Hill. You can help extend the efforts of these advocates and amplify their impact by contacting your lawmakers via the Legislative Action Center.