GOP Doctors Caucus Calls For Permanent Solution To Doc Fix

Press Release

Members of the GOP Doctors Caucus sent an open letter to all physicians today on H.R. 3961, the Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act. Members of the Caucus support a permanent fix that accurately reflects the cost of service provided which is fully paid for without adding to the federal deficit. A copy of the letter was also sent to Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

The GOP Doctors Caucus is co-chaired by doctors Tim Murphy of Pennsylvania and Phil Gingrey of Georgia. The 13 members of the Caucus work to develop patient-centered, patient-driven healthcare reforms focused on quality, access, affordability, portability and choice in healthcare. Each Caucus member has worked as a medical professional before coming to Congress, and utilizes their experience to help reform and strengthen the health care system in the United States.

The text of letter follows:

November 18, 2009


Dear Physician Colleagues,

The time has come for Congress to fully and finally address the issue of the Sustainable Growth Rate formula (SGR), upon which physician payments are based. But the solution to this ongoing concern is a permanent fix to increase access to physicians, to pay doctors an amount reflecting the true cost of services provided, and to use a sound funding mechanism that will prevent future formula-driven cuts.

The GOP Doctors Caucus remains concerned that as worded, H.R. 3961, the Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act represents a temporary fix, which could limit patient access to care and result in future payment cuts for physicians.

The legislation falls short of its goals because it does not repeal the SGR. It would replace the current formula with another formula, taking us down the same road we have already traveled. H.R. 3961 provides no funding mechanism to address future costs, or even current ones. No revenue source is identified in this bill. Tough choices are necessary if we are to come to a permanent, long-term funding solution.

Since 2003, Congress has fully offset the cost of averting physician payment cuts. A failure to do so this time will make physician cuts more likely in the near future and harm patients as Congress addresses Medicare's financial shortfall. Economists report that the unfunded bill will add about $1.9 trillion to Medicare's unfunded liabilities over the next 75 years (already estimated at $37.8 trillion as of this year's trustees' report).

Finally, the legislation will not ensure that physicians are paid an amount reflecting the true value and cost of the services they provide. As medical professionals, we want to see legislation that will ensure seniors can continue to see their doctor. We stand ready to work with the Majority on a true, permanent solution that protects seniors' access to care, physicians' ability to serve their community, and the taxpayers' right for responsible representation.

The letter was signed by: Reps. John Boozman, Charles Boustany, Paul Broun, Bill Cassidy, John Fleming, Phil Gingrey, John Linder, Tim Murphy, Ron Paul, Tom Price, and Phil Roe.

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