Part B News Quotes Paul Werner on Potential Impact of Medicare Cuts to Physician Practices

Buttaci, Leardi & Werner member Paul D. Werner was quoted in an article in Part B News titled “AMGA Warns of Service, Staff Cuts if 2.8% CF Cut Sticks; Few Alternatives Seen.” The article discusses a survey conducted by the American Medical Group Association (AMGA) which found rising concerns among its membership regarding the impending 2.8% Medicare conversion factor cuts on physician practices. The survey found that if Congress doesn’t act, providers will either face longer hours or cuts in staff and services.

Werner tells Part B News that he doesn’t think service cuts make sense from “a patient retention standpoint. Historically, people would find a doctor they liked and that was their doctor for life. Now there are so many physician and practice groups clamoring for attention; healthcare is much more of a consumer market and people will go where the services they want are available.” He adds that if a provider cuts services and loses patients, it will be difficult to re-capture them.

Werner also says that he doubts many staffing cuts will materialize.

“There’s a pretty low chance that you’ll see substantial changes to the workforce, though I could see a smaller physician practice pressing pause on expanding its staff.”

The full article can be read at Part B News (subscription may be required).

• Posted on: Nov 13 2024