SGR Is Gone. Now What?

Physicians will have to prepare to participate in one of the new payment systems that will replace Medicare's Sustainable Growth Rate formula, which Congress eliminated in April via the Medicare and CHIP Reauthorization Act. Come 2019, physicians can participate in one of two major payment tracks: the fee-for-service Merit-Based Incentive Payment System, which boosts or docks physician pay based on their quality and cost performance; or one or more alternative payment models, such as accountable care organizations, medical homes, bundled payments, or other initiatives.