BLOG: Reduced CBO estimate reignites debate over sustainable growth rate repeal

On Feb. 5, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reduced its estimate of the cost to freeze Medicare payments under the physician fee schedule (PFS) at current levels by more than $100 billion. Medicare spending under the PFS is driven in large part by the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula. Under the current formula, the CBO projects that Medicare payments to physicians will be reduced by about 25% percent in January 2014 before increasing by small amounts in subsequent years.







pediatrician schedule: Anchorage, AK 286,174
pediatrician schedule: Bethel, AK 6,522
pediatrician schedule: College 13,493
pediatrician schedule: Fairbanks, AK 35,252
pediatrician schedule: Juneau, AK 30,796
pediatrician schedule: Kalifornsky 6,268
pediatrician schedule: Kenai 7,945
pediatrician schedule: Ketchikan 7,515
pediatrician schedule: Knik-Fairview 7,049
pediatrician schedule: Kodiak 6,357
pediatrician schedule: Lakes 6,706
pediatrician schedule: Meadow Lakes 6,635
pediatrician schedule: Palmer, AK 8,428
pediatrician schedule: Sitka 8,747
pediatrician schedule: Tanaina 6,874
pediatrician schedule: Wasilla 10,692
pediatrician schedule: Apache Junction 34,284
pediatrician schedule: Apache, AZ 11,958
pediatrician schedule: Arivaca 59,243
pediatrician schedule: Arizona City 7,320
pediatrician schedule: Avondale, AZ 84,914
pediatrician schedule: Big Park 6,584
pediatrician schedule: Buckeye 8,173
pediatrician schedule: Bullhead City 40,747
pediatrician schedule: Camp Verde 10,871
pediatrician schedule: Casa Grande 43,878
pediatrician schedule: Casas Adobes 63,436
pediatrician schedule: Catalina 8,250
pediatrician schedule: Catalina Foothills 63,181
pediatrician schedule: Chandler, AZ 255,230
pediatrician schedule: Chino Valley 11,182
pediatrician schedule: Coconino 81,338
pediatrician schedule: Coolidge, AZ 11,079
pediatrician schedule: Cottonwood, AZ 11,361
pediatrician schedule: Cottonwood-Verde Village 13,266
pediatrician schedule: Deer Valley, AZ 186,030
pediatrician schedule: Dewey-Humboldt 7,393
pediatrician schedule: Douglas, AZ 15,489
pediatrician schedule: Drexel Heights 28,010
pediatrician schedule: El Mirage 9,514

Physical activity, less time seated reduced all-cause mortality in colorectal cancer patients
FDA: More CV data needed on Tresiba, Ryzodeg before approval
Poor HCC surveillance common; may contribute to late-stage tumors
Weight loss linked to reduced, eliminated reflux symptoms
Pneumonia risk heightened among patients with IBD