Draft SGR Repeal Bill Reworks Doc Incentives, Includes Imaging/ECG Appropriateness Criteria

The Senate Finance Committee and House Ways & Means Committee circulated a discussion draft to replace the maligned Medicare sustainable growth rate formula for physician pay with a system that freezes base payments but offers value-based incentives. The bill also calls for mandatory use of appropriateness criteria for advanced imaging and electrocardiogram, and prior authorization in some cases.