News from the AOA's Blog

On April 15, 2010, President Obama signed into law the “Continuing Extension Act of 2010,” which extends through May 31, 2010, the zero percent update to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule that was in effect for claims with dates of service January 1, 2010 through March 31, 2010. The law is retroactive to April 1, 2010. Click here to read the full report from the AOA Washington Office team.

Consequently, effective immediately, CMS has announced that claims with dates of service April 1 and later, which were being held by Medicare contractors, are being released for processing and payment. The Medicare agency has also asked doctors to keep in mind that the statutory payment floors still apply and, therefore, clean electronic claims cannot be paid before 14 calendar days after the date they are received by Medicare contractors (29 calendar days for clean paper claims).

While the latest action averts an immediate cut, AOA continues to pressure lawmakers to put an end to the uncertainty facing patients and providers by enacting lasting and equitable reform. Concerned doctors and students are encouraged to join the fight by using the AOA’s Online Legislative Action Center to contact their elected officials directly and urged them to prevent impending cuts as well as advocate for long-term reform.

For more information on this priority issue and how to join the AOA’s efforts on Capitol Hill, please contact the AOA Washington Office directly at ImpactWashingtonDC@aoa.org.