In this issue:

Physicians may still face deep cuts in Medicare reimbursement; Montefiore chosen to participate in "pioneer" ACO project; More aggressive physician discipline investigations expected; and New federal regulation permits law enforcement to access databank without physicians' knowledge.

Excerpt from Physicians may still face deep cuts in Medicare reimbursement

The threat of a 27.4% cut in Medicare reimbursement for physicians was averted late last month when Congress granted what amounts to little more than a temporary reprieve. The congressional consensus measure that was hastily passed allows physicians to be reimbursed at 2011 rates for Medicare services but the compromise measure expires on February 28, 2012. If Congress fails to address the matter in the interim, the proposed cuts will take effect on March 1, 2012. It is expected that Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services ("CMS") will continue to aggressively audit Medicare providers as part of a concerted effort to combat fraud, recoup monies and offset its gaping budgetary shortfall. These proceedings can have catastrophic effects upon a medical practice and should be handled only with the assistance of counsel.

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