The following statement is attributable to:
Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, MD, MPH
President, American Medical Association
"While physicians are grateful that Congress and President Biden are averting a government shutdown, we are disappointed that nothing has been done about the looming and catastrophic Medicare cuts.
"Once again, physicians and their patients are being asked to swallow a bitter pill: another round of Medicare cuts. Without congressional action, physicians face a 3.37 percent payment reduction on Jan. 1, 2024—another step in a calamitous march toward shuttered physician practices and reduced patient access.
"About 120 health care organizations joined the American Medical Association in a letter (PDF) to congressional leaders urging them to fix the flawed Medicare payment system. Our seniors and the physicians who care for them are counting on Congress to prevent these cuts.
"We appreciate that many lawmakers in both parties recognize the problem and are working toward solutions. The sense of urgency is real for patients and physicians, and, we hope, our leaders as well."
The letter to Congress and the supporting organizations can be found here.
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About the American Medical Association
The American Medical Association is the physicians’ powerful ally in patient care. As the only medical association that convenes 190+ state and specialty medical societies and other critical stakeholders, the AMA represents physicians with a unified voice to all key players in health care. The AMA leverages its strength by removing the obstacles that interfere with patient care, leading the charge to prevent chronic disease and confront public health crises and, driving the future of medicine to tackle the biggest challenges in health care.
