As practice costs skyrocket and reimbursements continue to sink, physicians are angered at CMS' proposal to cut physician pay by 2.8%.
The decrease includes requirements that adjustments be budget neutral, the expiration of a 2.93% bump in 2024 and an adjustment related to the work relative value unit portion.
Pierce Nunley, MD, director of the Shreveport-based Spine Institute of Louisiana, joined Becker's to discuss his thoughts on CMS' proposal to cut pay.
Question: What are your thoughts on CMS' proposal to cut physician pay by 2.8%?
Dr. Pierce Nunley: In the current environment of rising healthcare costs, it is illogical that the government is reducing reimbursements to frontline healthcare providers. Congress and CMS employees benefit from excellent health insurance and regular cost-of-living increases, yet providers are expected to accept a pay cut.
It would be more equitable to tie provider reimbursements to the average cost-of-living increase for government workers. This approach would ensure that providers receive annual increases in reimbursement, aligning their compensation with the economic realities faced by other government employees. How could this not be considered fair?