News Conferees Reach Agreement on Short-Term SGR Patch; AMA & MSNJ Express Deep Disappointment

A Message from the AMA

While some details are still being finalized, it is being reported from Capitol Hill that conferees have reached agreement on extending the payroll tax holiday, unemployment insurance benefits, and current Medicare physician payment rates for the next 10 months, through the end of 2012. The agreement does not repeal the SGR. We are deeply disappointed that Congress did not seize upon the historic opportunity to repeal the flawed payment formula. Read more on our blog.

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Cosmetic Surgery Tax Repeal’s Phase-Out Schedule
MSNJ recently achieved one of its legislative priorities with the repeal of the cosmetic surgery tax. There have been some questions about the scheduled phase-out, of 2% per year until July 2014 when the full repeal is effective. View the phase-out schedule. MSNJ objects to all taxes on medical treatment and facilities and will continue to advocate against these taxes. 

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Nominating Committee Election Results
Richard Scott, MD, and the Nominating Committee would like to announce the results of the Nominating Committee Election held on January 18 at the MSNJ headquarters. Congratulations to all.

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Update on 2012 Medicare Physician Payment Rates
Highmark Medicare Services has posted the new fee schedule and is ready to process claims. Read more.

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Dr. Rao's "Fit Doc" Challenge

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