ACR Pushes Medicare Payment Reforms on Capitol Hill

American College of Radiology® (ACR®) CEO Dana H. Smetherman, MD, MPH, MBA, FACR, FSBI, represented the College at a physician roundtable discussion June 5, hosted by the U.S. House of Representatives Doctors Caucus in Washington, DC. Dr. Smetherman was invited to participate along with physician leaders from a wide array of medical specialty societies in a discussion focused on the next steps on Medicare physician payment reform.

Doctors Caucus members specifically asked roundtable participants for their thoughts about fixes to budget neutrality, the Medicare requirement that any increases in provider payments in the program be offset by reductions elsewhere, and reforms to Medicare’s value-based payment program. The group also engaged in dialogue about issues including potential solutions to regulatory challenges and the future of Medicare value-based payment models.

Following the roundtable, the Doctors Caucus also hosted its annual House Call on the Mall with more than 100 physicians from across the country participating, representing more than 15 specialties. As part of House Call, Dr. Smetherman represented RADPAC, the American College of Radiology Association® political action committee, at a reception attended by several physician members of Congress, including Reps. Greg Murphy, MD (R-NC), John Joyce, MD (R-PA), Andy Harris, MD (R-MD), and Mike Kennedy, MD (R-UT), as well as members of the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce Reps. Richard Hudson (R-NC) and Morgan Griffith (R-VA).

For more information about the roundtable, contact Rebecca Spangler, ACR Senior Government Relations Director. For more information about the House Call on the Mall and other RADPAC activities, contact Ted Burnes, ACR Senior Director of Political Affairs/RADPAC.