The Congressional fix to the almost 15 year problem of the Medicare SGR adjustment is only half way to fruition. The House passed the fix but the Senate adjourned for the break without taking it up. They will likely do so on April 13th when they return from recess. All Congressional House members from California, except for two Republicans, voted for the bill.

We have included below the notice from Noridian, your Medicare MAC advising providers, on claims with date of service on or after April 1st to avoid the reduced payments.

MLN Connects® Provider eNews - March 24, 2015

Attention Health Professionals:

Information Regarding the 2015 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule

The negative update of 21% under current law for the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule is scheduled to take effect on April 1, 2015. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule claims for services rendered on or before March 31, 2015, are unaffected by the payment cut and will be processed and paid under normal procedures and time frames. The Administration urges Congress to take action to ensure these cuts do not take effect. However, until that happens, CMS must take steps to implement the negative update. Under current law, electronic claims are not paid sooner than 14 calendar days (29 days for paper claims) after the date of receipt. CMS will notify you on or before April 11, 2015, with more information about the status of Congressional action to avert the negative update and next steps.