Physicians are now bracing for payment cuts after the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published its final rule for the 2023 Physician Fee Schedule.

Congress has provided billions in relief during the public health emergency, and patient volumes continue to rebound, the commission contended. 

The Small Practice, Underserved, and Rural Support Program Extension Act of 2022 has drawn support from the AMA and several other physician groups.

ACR highlighted clinical labor wage updates and upcoming sequester cuts as two targets in early 2022, hoping to build off advocacy momentum from last year. 

The measure to extend funding through Feb. 18 does not include any of the changes championed by physicians. 

As lawmakers look to tackle other issues first, the college said it's possible Congress may address doc pay cuts retroactively in 2022. 

The agency was set to start requiring physicians to work with payers to provide an upfront "explanation of benefits," but will hold off on the change following a backlash. 

Radiologists who collected such assistance between April-June, 2020, must report on their use of the funds by Sept. 30.