Medicare's current payment system is not designed to support independent medical practices, leading to their decline. Despite agency goals to encourage community-based care, the payment structure incentivizes consolidation into larger health systems. This is exacerbated by a looming 2027 payment cliff and a lack of inflation adjustment for physician reimbursement, unlike hospital payments. Consequently, a significant majority of physicians are now employed by hospitals or corporations, making it increasingly difficult for independent practices to survive and provide accessible, lower-cost care. AI
RANK_REASON Article discusses systemic issues within Medicare's payment structure and their impact on independent medical practices, rather than announcing a new event.
- athenahealth
- Avalere
- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
- Joe Ganley
- Medicare
- Medicare Payment Advisory Commission
- Physicians Advocacy Institute
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