Late last night the Senate passed the Temporary Extension Act of 2010 (HR 4691) by a vote of 78-19, extending the Medicare physician 21.2 percent pay cut exemption and the physical therapy services cap exceptions process until March 31.

After Congress failed to pass legislation to repeal or at least further delay the provisional exemption that spared pay cuts to physicians before the March 1 expiration date, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) ordered contractors to hold claims for 10 days.

That gave Congress the extra time needed to come up with this temporary fix. Something more will need to be done before April 1, however, to circumvent these and other provisions that threaten health care.

The AAPC will inform you of further details as they become available.

5 Responses to “Senate Gives Physicians a 30-day Reprieve”

1. Helen R. Says:
   March 4th, 2010 at 7:46 am

   I knew we would get a temporary solution. I only hope our Public Servants realize that we need a permanent solution that does not compromise quality medical care in America.
   I hope they are listening!

2. Pamela W. Says:
   March 5th, 2010 at 8:52 am

   Hello,

   I have been advised as of March 2, 2010 a permenant solution had been passed denying these cuts?
   I have not been able to find the legislation on this or anything on the AAPC Websit?

3. cathy pokorny Says:
   March 5th, 2010 at 8:57 am

   I agree that the healthcare industry does need some attention. I believe that it needs to be taken in consideration the time, money, and sacrifice that physicians give on a regular basis. Their overhead does not go down just because the reimbursement goes down. This does not make a very strong attraction to the younger people that would make excellent doctors.

4. Tracie Says:
   March 11th, 2010 at 8:38 am

   Pamela, your right the President signed it March 2. I googled HR 4961 and it came up. We can all breathe again.

5. chas Says:
   December 5th, 2011 at 3:45 pm

   I agree1

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