ACR-Led Efforts Result in Introduction of Medicare Pay Fix Legislation

In response to advocacy efforts by the American College of Radiology® (ACR®)-led coalition of physician and non-physician clinician organizations, U.S. Reps. Raul Ruiz, MD (D-CA), Larry Bucshon, MD (R-IN), Ami Bera, MD (D-CA) and Mariannette Miller-Meeks, MD (R-IA), introduced H.R. 2474, the Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act, to add a permanent, Medicare Economic Index (MEI)-based inflationary update to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS).

As the only major fee schedule without a built-in inflationary update, Medicare reimbursement for providers billing under the MPFS has failed to keep pace with the true cost of practicing medicine. According to a recent American Medical Association analysis, when adjusted for inflation in practice costs, Medicare physician payment declined 26% from 2001 to 2023.

The ACR will continue to advocate for short- and long-term payment stability for our members and the patients they serve. If you have any questions, please contact Rebecca Spangler, Senior Government Affairs Director.