AMA urges physicians to take steps to avoid Medicare payment penalty

CHICAGO — The American Medical Association (AMA) is reminding physicians that the Medicare reimbursement system has changed, and, if they have not done so already, they have until December 31, 2017, to take a few simple steps to avoid a Medicare payment penalty in 2019.

The changes are part of the government’s implementation of MACRA, the new Medicare law that will affect physicians and practices of all sizes. 2017 is the first year of reporting under MACRA’s Quality Payment Program.