According to ACR (American College Of Radiology), the midterm elections and “partisan gridlock” will not ruin all the chances of a win in Washington.
American College Of radiology mentioned that phasing out of labor payment updates over four years can be one of the areas to address for the advocates in 2022. ACR further mentioned that after a long period of 20 years, the wages are getting revised to benefit clinics and primary cares that deploy clinical labor. However, this move can also reduce the payments of others like radiation oncologists, interventional radiologists, etc.
The Possibilities
In the meantime, Medicare has halted the sequester cut for the early months of 2022. The healthcare sector will implement the slashing from fall 2022. According to ACR, these reductions may take a toll on Congress’ intervention decision. The college further added that it can get associated with lawmakers regardless of the party in power.
However, ACR’s relationship with both parties is friendly and, it will enhance their chances of getting to play a critical role in its policies. A Virginia Based organization, The Reston, remarked that the positive relationship could also be a way for ACR to convince Congress members to be a part of their endeavors in the district. They further remarked that this move will be critically significant for the 2022 election cycle.
The Election
Be it the Senate or the House, Democrats hold slim chances of winning at the moment. However, the situation may alter at any time. Almost all representatives favored the reelection with only 41 sets against it. 34 more spots are opening soon in the upper chamber, while six senators are no longer interested in continuing for the next term.
ACR is hopeful about gaining momentum this year. The College will also use its association with the houses to the physician’s advantage by retaining around $1 million through the next year (2023). ACR further stated that the college will work with the physicians to emphasize the message that Congress should act in favor of the Medicare sector’s reimbursement reforms.
MGMA’s View
The MGMA (Medical Group Management Association) sent a letter to the congress leaders stating a similar concern. The organization wants the legislatures to focus on sequester cut issues along with other areas of concern. The sequester cut is supposed to be around 1% in April and it will grow to 2% by October. There is no doubt that congress should consider the matter with urgency.
With COVID 19 wrecking havoc on group practices, MGMA has pleaded the Congress to extend the moratorium limits further. While medical is integral to managing a pandemic, the sector should also receive some benefits from the administration. Anders Gilberg, who is the senior VP of MGMA and works for the association’s government affairs lateral remarked so.
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