Probing the Sustainable Growth Rate Formula

Annually, Medicare payments to physicians are modified using the sustainable growth rate formula, or “SGR”. Recently, the formula mandated cuts to physicians in recent years; and only through quick congressional fixes were these cuts avoided. With payments expected to drop more than 40 percent in the next eight years, can the SGR truly be part of an effective solution to our healthcare crisis? What is the formula, and what impact will it continually have on patient care? Gastroenterologist, and Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School speaks with your host, Dr. David Rubin.