House Passes Bill Repealing cost-cutting Formula for Physician Payments

Advocates say a bill headed for passage in the U.S. Senate would likely increase Medicare’s reimbursement rates for physicians, which in turn, could drive up workers’ compensation medical reimbursements in states that tie fee schedules to Medicare pricing. House Resolution 2, which passed the House of Representatives 392-37 on Thursday, would eliminate the controversial “Sustainable Growth Rate” formula for determining reimbursements. Implementation of the formula has stalled amid concerns from members of Congress because it would often mean large cuts to reimbursement...