Thread by @MarilynHeineMD

1/ Thank you @CongBoyle @RepBrianFitz @CongressmanGT @RepMeuser @RepJohnJoyce @RepDwightEvans @RepDean @RepHoulahan @RepSusanWild @GReschenthaler @MikeKellyPA @RepConorLamb for signing the Bera-Bucshon letter to help keep physician practices and emergency viable. Urgent issue.

2/ @mgs @USRepMikeDoyle @RepCartwright @RepFredKeller @RepScottPerry 
@RepSmucker should join their colleagues from PA in this strong bipartisan support. It is an issue of access to care for patients and healthcare jobs for physician practice employees.

3/ The #COVID19 #pandemic has taken a toll on physician practice revenue.  Survey data shows physician practice revenue plunged 50% March to May and remains on average 32% less than in February. Practice costs are ⬆️ due to PPE. Volume is ⬇️ due to required physical distancing.

4/ The much appreciated CARES Act Provider Relief Fund has offset some revenue loss, but the estimated $11 billion distributed to physicians so far makes up for only about 10% of the total estimated loss experienced by practices during the initial months of the pandemic.

5/ @CMSGov has taken steps to decrease the physician documentation burden and revise the evaluation and management (E/M) office visit guidelines.  This provides long overdue increases for several specialties.

6/ However, due to the requirement for budget neutrality this would result in draconian cuts as high as 11% in the middle of a pandemic, across multiple specialties, beginning on January 1, 2021.

7/ @CMSGov has authority to waive budget neutrality. Esp. pertinent during the public health emergency. However, the E/M policy has gone thru multiple rulemaking cycles and the Agency gives no indication that it will pursue this solution. Hence, action by Congress is necessary.

8/ The letter anchored by @repbera @replarrybucshon to House leadership:

•voices support for the E/M payment ⬆️ 
•urges Congress to develop a bipartisan legislative solution to stave off the drastic cuts caused by “budget neutrality”
•requests Congress pass a remedy this year

9/ There are over 113 bipartisan cosigners including strong bipartisan support from the PA delegation. Many thanks to the signers. The entire PA delegation should sign by the October 16 closing. Help physicians keep the lights on for patients.