AMA Advocates 7-Step Physician Strategy for Medicare Payment Reform
The American Medical Association (AMA) has outlined seven key steps for physicians and medical teams to engage lawmakers effectively during the August recess to promote systemic reforms in Medicare physician payment. This engagement is critical due to the reduced opportunities for direct congressional interaction in 2025, such as fewer town halls and political uncertainties. Experts emphasize that sustained and polite persistence in outreach efforts is necessary to influence decision-making and keep physician payment reform on Congress's radar.
Medicare physician payments have declined over 33% since 2001 when adjusted for inflation, highlighting an unsustainable compensation system. The AMA's advocacy efforts include pushing for permanent baseline updates to conversion factors aligned with the Medicare Economic Index (MEI) to better reflect the growth in physician practice costs.
AMA leaders urge physicians to build relationships with key healthcare policy staffers and to share personal stories illustrating the real-world impact of Medicare cuts on healthcare delivery. The AMA provides resources like engagement toolkits and a 'Fix Medicare Now' advocacy hub to support these efforts.
Recent legislative successes highlight the value of physician advocacy, evidenced by a 2.5% increase in Medicare payments included in the latest budget reconciliation package. However, the AMA continues to target long-term reforms, such as linking Medicare payments more closely to MEI and opposing scope of practice expansions that could affect physician roles, including bills like H.R. 3164.
Educational initiatives by the AMA, such as the Medicare Basics series, aim to increase policymakers' and advocates' understanding of the complexities and urgent need for reform in the Medicare physician payment system. Alongside this, community outreach tools like printable fliers with QR codes allow patients and healthcare providers to engage with and support reform efforts.
Beyond Medicare payment reform, the AMA continues to advocate for extending Affordable Care Act tax credits and addressing issues related to Pharmacy Benefit Managers, emphasizing their critical role in patient care cost and access.
Physician involvement in these advocacy efforts is framed as a long-term commitment rather than a short-term campaign, requiring consistent communication and presence both in Washington and local districts. The AMA stresses that such efforts help pave the way for legislative momentum and more equitable reimbursement policies.
These combined strategies represent a comprehensive approach by the AMA to address systemic payment challenges, aiming to sustain physician practices and ensure quality patient care within the evolving landscape of U.S. healthcare policy.