December 19, 2005 -- In a statement released today, AMA President J. Edward Hill, M.D. has announced that Congress eliminated its proposed cuts to Medicare doctor payments. "Action by the U.S. House of Representatives averts next year's planned Medicare physician payment cut, which would harm seniors' access to physician care. The American Medical Association appreciates the efforts of Speaker Hastert, Dr. Frist, Chairman Grassley, Chairman Barton, Subcommittee Chairman Deal and Chairman Thomas to avert the 2006 payment cut," Dr. Hill said.

"By freezing payments at 2005 rates, the House has stopped a planned 4.4 percent payment reduction that would force physicians to limit the number of new Medicare patients they take into their practice. Over 360,000 physicians and patients told Congress that the cuts were unacceptable - and Congress listened," he added.

"While the House action averts an immediate cut, the AMA will continue to advocate for a fair physician payment formula based on practice costs, as well as continue to advocate for sound quality improvement initiatives. We must build on the momentum and awareness raised in 2005 to make 2006 the year Congress permanently repeals the broken Medicare physician payment formula."

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